Prof. Huaixiang Tan (previous Tan Huaixiang, prefer Tan) is a Full Professor in Costume and Makeup Design and Technology in the Theatre Department, School of Performing Arts, at University of Central Florida, in Orlando, Florida. She holds an MFA degree in Costume Design from Utah State University and a BFA degree from the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing.
Besides teaching, Prof. Tan enjoys designing costume/makeup for departmental theatre productions and professional theatres. Her costume designs were recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region IV for the Meritorious Achievement Award – Excellence in Costume Design, Outstanding Teaching Artist, and Distinguished Achievement in Costume Design. Prof. Tan’s professional credits include the works Three River Shakespeare Festival in Pittsburgh, PA; Historic Liberty Theatre in Washington, WA; Orlando Repertory Theatre, FL; The Lambs players Theatre, San Diego, CA; and Department of Theatre, Film & Dance, at Cornell University.
Prof. Tan is an author of two books Character Costume Figure Drawing 3rd edition in 2018, and Costume Craftwork on a Budget 2nd edition 2019, published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, New York and London. The Character Costume Figure Drawing 3rd edition was published in Spanish by Grupo Anaya, S.A. Madrid, Spain 2019. Prof. Tan is a member of United Scenic Artists, local 829.
Prof. Tan has a great passion for Indian dance costumes and makeup. Her Fulbright-Nehru research seeks to focus on participation by direct observation, interaction, and hands-on practice involved in the creative process to learn different types of classical dance costume/makeup design, material, and construction. The research also intends to also provide firsthand knowledge of dance costume styles and construction techniques from local professionals’ original works. Writing a book on Indian dance costume will provide opportunities to introduce and promote Indian dance costume art to the world.