Stephanie Paul

Co-Founder, Artistic Director

Stephanie Paul is a Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and ensemble member of Be the Groove.  While attending Northwestern University, she discovered her passion for rhythm as a member of Boomshaka, NU’s dance/drum ensemble and as a student of Billy Siegenfeld, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project’s Artistic Director. After co-directing Boomshaka for two years, Stephanie graduated from Northwestern in 2006 with an undeniable need to continue creating, performing and educating.  Be the Groove is the realization of that desire. When not performing with Be the Groove, Stephanie is an adjunct lecturer in Northwestern University’s Dance Department and on staff at Dance Center Evanston.  She has also taught for the Chicago National Association of DanceMasters and choreographed for Ohio Northern University, Northwestern University and the Evanston Dance Ensemble.  Her love of theater has led her to the nationally acclaimed Albany Park Theater Project with whom she is a Resident Artist and Co-Director.  Stephanie has also worked with Adventure Stage Chicago and Lookingglass Theatre’s LAB program as a choreographer and music artist. Her performances have been described by the Chicago Tribune as “beguiling and passionate,” and the Chicago Sun-Times noted her work as “brilliantly percussive.”  Stephanie’s approach to dance and music instruction is founded in the usage of rhythm as a means of motivating development of ensemble and individual self-confidence.  She loves rhythm and hopes that you do too.