Liz Lerman

Elizabeth Ann Lerman (born December 25, 1947) is a Jewish American dance choreographer, visionary artist, writer, educator, and speaker. Lerman is the recipient of numerous awards including a 2002 MacArthur "Genius Grant," 2014 Dance/USA Honor Award, 2017 Jacob's Pillow Dance Award, and a 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship. She founded and led the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange from 1976 until 2011 where she cultivated the company's unique multi-generational ensemble into a leading force in contemporary dance. Lerman invented the Critical Response Process (CRP), a four step method for giving and receiving helpful feedback. She is the author of several books and her work has been commissioned by many institutions, among them Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center, Harvard Law School, and Portsmouth Music Hall. Lerman is an Institute Professor at Arizona State University and Fellow at the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy.