Patricia West

Patricia West (San Jose, CA) aims to create and support spaces that nurture self-expression, collaboration, and connection. An educator, arts administrator, choreographer, and performing artist, she earned her bachelor’s degree in English, education, and dance from UC Berkeley and her master’s degree in arts education from San Jose State University. Since 2001, West has worked as a Pre-K–8 academic teacher and advisor and founded and directed dance programs at various schools.

Today, West leads workshops on dance and composition for all ages and skill levels. As a performing artist and collaborator, she has had the honor of working nationally and internationally with Alayo Dance Company, Zaccho Dance Theater, Fog Beast, Joe Goode Performance Group, and many other companies. In 2017, West co-founded DAP, a performing artist collective. A collaborating artist with Joe Goode Performance Group since 2006, she has served as that company’s assistant director and creative engagement lead, as well as on the board of CubaCaribe and Bandaloop. West is grateful to have continued working with, creating alongside, and serving people across diverse communities. She works in Cal Performances’ Education and Community Programs department and is honored to be Director of the Berkeley/Oakland AileyCamp. This is West’s sixth year working with Berkeley/Oakland AileyCamp.