kira shiina, a versatile freelance dance artist and sound designer, is based in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, situated on the ancestral lands of the Lenape people. Their journey in dance began at Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts 6–12, paving the way for a BFA in Dance from the prestigious University of the Arts. Throughout their time at UArts, kira shiina had the privilege of showcasing their talents in captivating pieces by renowned artists such as Andrea Miller/GALLIM, Beth Gill, and Doug Varone, to name a few. Post-graduation, kira shiina transitioned into the role of adjunct assistant professor at the School of Dance, further enriching their experience in the field. Notably, kira shiina has been an integral part of waheedworks since 2019, contributing as a creative associate and rehearsal director alongside the visionary Tommie-Waheed Evans. Their artistic contributions extend to collaborating with esteemed institutions like BalletX, Drexel University, and Verb Ballets. As a founding member of Mark Caserta’s BigKid Dance, Kira dedicated their talents from 2021 to 2023, showcasing their passion for performance and education. Presently, kira shiina continues to captivate audiences as a performer with the dynamic slowdanger, helmed by Anna Thompson and Taylor Knight. Additionally, they joined Sidra Bell Dance New York as a company artist for the 2023–2024 season, further solidifying their prominent presence in the world of dance and performance arts.