WHERE DANCE MEETS DESIGN
Bobbi Ponder
My curiosity and love for discovering cultures and exploring expression fuels my passion for dance, design, and the connection among them.
About Bobbi
Photo by Romel Sims
Bobbi Ponder is a dancer and designer born and raised on the west side of Chicago. Bobbi is passionate about the intersection of people, dance, music, and fashion. Her affinity for the arts and her love for people influenced her interest in cultural studies. Bobbi has traveled to 30 countries and counting, continuously expanding her dance repertoire and cultural repository. She is an alumnus of University of Cincinnati's School of Design Art Architecture and Planning where she studied Fashion Design and Product Strategies. During her studies she lived in Melbourne, Australia for 18 months which has greatly impacted her current design aesthetic. As a citizen of the world, Bobbi aims to celebrate culture, educate consumers, and honor history through ethical, sustainable, and innovative designs.
Education
Photo by Romel Sims
2014
Semester at Sea
University of Virginia
2018
RMIT University
2014-2020
University of Cincinnati (College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning)
An immersive learning voyage on the MV Explorer Cruise Ship. While studying English, theater, music cultures, and art history, Bobbi traveled to 13 countries around the world.
Study abroad experience in Melbourne Australia at a leading institution for design. With an interest in textile design, Bobbi's time at RMIT was centered around gaining experience developing textiles through a combination of traditional and innovative techniques including weaving and machine knitting.
At the University of Cincinnati's The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) Bobbi studied fashion design with a focus in product strategies. Alternating semesters with in class instruction and real world experience, Bobbi curated a unique college experience that allowed her not only to gain skills but also expand her cultural repertoire and strengthen her artistic voice.