Resilience Dance Company Stl

RESILIENCE Dance Company (RDC) is a nonprofit, contemporary modern dance company with a mission is to create exceptional dance experiences that fuel human connection. RDC’s work is rooted in building healthy, sustainable dance spaces that put artists first and enable curiosity, play, and creative risk taking. Since 2019, RDC has engaged artists and strengthened communities through performance, education, and outreach programs. 

Last season, RDC reached 2,400 audience members and 171 dance students across 144 zip codes. We hired 25 paid artists and danced in 20 performances. We are a growing, local nonprofit increasing our impact every season. Read on to learn more about how RDC creates positive, equitable environments that nourish dance artists and the communities they serve.

A Message from Emily Haussler - Founder and Director

"Welcome! My name is Emily Haussler. I founded RESILIENCE Dance Company in 2019 to create a space in which artists came first, and good art followed. Whether I had a budget of $500 or $50,000, or was making work in a proscenium theater or a park, I knew I wanted a professional space that prioritized dancers.

I chose the name RESILIENCE to honor the emotional, mental, and physical resilience of dancers. At RESILIENCE, we create new models of professional dance by paying artists first, adapting to alternative production styles, providing holistic physical and mental health resources to dancers, and working collaboratively to ensure all voices are authentically incorporated in our processes - all while creating exceptional dance experiences."

Thank you for participating in Give STL Day and supporting nonprofits in St. Louis. I love this city and the power of collaboration we all share. As you consider your giving, I invite you to learn more about RDC's programs and impact, watch RDC's dance, and meet the incredible artists with whom we work.  Be a part of the growth and help fuel human connection through dance."

Testimonials

"I find Resilience Dance Company to be one of the most exciting things to happen to St. Louis' dance community in years. Their research-based movement approach and embrace of improvisation have captured my attention every time I've been fortunate enough to see them perform." - St. Louis Dance HQ 

"Come With Me was a beautiful blend of the company's spontaneous, in-the-moment, creative energy and a structured journey the audience could accompany. It's a treat to watch a group of dancers move with such alacrity. Bravo!" -Stephen Blood, Audience Member 

"The group of seven performers felt like a cohort of individuals and even in unison no one was lost to complete uniformity. I look forward to seeing more from this group of artists and from the company which seems to be seeking to innovate the way we foster and champion dance artists and careers in St Louis." - Melissa Miller, Blog Reviewer

"I really enjoyed the whole intensive. I loved the diversity of the teachers, the different techniques we got to learn and improve, getting to do new and different choreography with some other people we have never gotten to dance with, and being able to build relationships with new people." - Summer Intensive Student, 2023

"Sophia absolutely loved learning with Resilience this summer! From the class schedule to all of the wonderful teachers and contributors. She was able to learn in such a welcoming and supportive environment where her input was considered. As a parent it was an amazing experience to see her grow!" -Crystal Brickey Rogers, Summer Intensive Parent, 2023