After leaving a successful performance career to fully focus on creating new dances, American choreographer Rena Butler and her work have been frequently appearing in theaters around the globe. Her edge and athletic movement are breaking barriers at ballet companies and in opera houses, bringing a unique movement vocabulary to stages dominated by classical ballet repertory. She spoke to ICONS about her creative interests and how she sees herself in the future of dance.

Read the Full Interview with RINA BUTLER  

ICONS INSPIRE is a monthly digital portrait and a one-on-one interview with a groundbreaking choreographer. Get the insider point of view on an important dancemaker's creative process, background, and training to inspire, provoke and challenge your intellectual repertoire.

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Our organization's mission is to support emerging choreographers in all possible ways. We implement the innovative ICON SMART ℠ algorithm to help choreographers with their artistic research, effectively organize their creative processes, and articulate their ideas. We’re committed to collaborating with other organizations and offer inter-institutional intensives, workshops, mentorships, and professional development seminars. More info here.

Take a look at our updated resources ranging from current events, news, and trends to an international listing of artistic residencies, open calls, professional development workshops, and various other opportunities for emerging choreographers.

Wild Grace - The Untamed Women of Modern Dance, by Sara Veale, Faber & Faber, London, 2025. The untold history of the extraordinary women who drove the modern dance movement and changed cultural narratives about sex, power, and women's rights. American modern dance is the story of subversion in pursuing blazing artistic integrity. The book is available for purchase here.

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