James Hansen, is an associate professor and undergraduate program director who teaches modern technique, composition, repertory, and contact improvisation. He began his dance training in the conservatory at SUNY Purchase, received his BA from University of Iowa and his MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He performed with both modern and ballet companies in New York City, including Eglevsky Ballet and Sean Curran Dance Company and appeared as a featured soloist with Alfonzo Cata of France's Ballet du Nord in the world premiere of the all-male ballet Wanderers. He has taught in new York City at Steps, Broadway Dance Center, Dancespace and the Jose Limon Institute.

His choreography has been commissioned by several professional dance companies and universities including the Pennsylvania Dance Theater; Second Wind Dance Company in Norfolk, VA; Moving Currents Dance Company in Tampa; Ohio University and University of Washington. The numerous dance festivals that have produced his work include Jacob's Pillow, the Toronto Fringe Festival of Independent Dance Artists (fFIDA), the International Dance Festival in New York City and the National ACDFA at Washington, DC's Kennedy Center.

His work has received recognition from newspaper critics across the United States being described as "grippingly aggressive" and "a wonderful example of how much the human body can communicate" (Backstage NY, September 15, 2000), "a standout in a night of true modern diversity." (Richmond Times Dispatch, September 23, 2002) and a "Thoughtful mediation on group dynamics." (NY Times, July 17, 2006).