Spotlight On: Emily Haussler for Women’s History Month
Emily Haussler is the Founder, Artistic, and Executive Director of RESILIENCE Dance Company. Overall, her work centers on building healthier, more sustainable dance communities by equipping dancers with resources for their mental health, physical wellbeing, and artistic success. Emily's choreography primarily draws on contemporary, modern, and improvisational techniques, using collaborative practices to generate emergent, visceral dances that reflect the contemporary human condition and our relationships to one another.
What does Women's History Month mean to you?
Women's History Month is a time for awe, wonder, and gratitude. I feel a sense of amazement at what women accomplish, every day through little actions and gestures, and over time by moving the world forward. I reflect on the immense workload some women have, juggling their families and their work, holding emotional support spaces for others, and even subconsciously trying to meet the impossible balance of societal expectations (America Ferrera said it best). I try to take this time to show up for the women in my life, to express gratitude in all the ways I know how, and to soak in the collaborative power that women have together.
Who are some female artists (dance or non-dance) who inspire you and why?
People who know me know I love Sara Bareilles. She has never pretended to be anyone other than her true authentic self (Look up the story of "Love Song" if you don't know it). I'm inspired by the openness and non-linearity of her career - moving between music, TV, theater and writing. I view her as a quiet non-conformist, empowering artists to be themselves by modeling it with kindness and honesty. Other artists I am deeply inspired by include Pina Bausch, Adiarys Almeida, Erin Morgenstern, Kathryn Morgan, Liz Lerman, Leah Cox... the list could go on. These women stand out for being their full, unapologetic, human selves: creating, writing, advocating, and moving to share their voices. Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention the women who helped me grow as an artist: Meridith Benson, Mary Kamp, Christine O'Neal, Emily Duggins Ehling, Holly Seitz Marchant, and more.
Favorite female-owned business(es) in St. Louis?
Like the women who came before me, I would love to shout out my fellow dance directors! Rachel Bodi at Ballet 314, Maria Majors at STL Rhythm Collaborative, Arianna Russ at MADCO, Diana Barrios at Leverage Dance Theater, Dawn Karlovsky at Karlovsky and Co. Dance, Erin Prange at Big Muddy, Arica Brown at CKDC, Ashley Tate at Ashleyliane Dance Co. - and the women running studios - Kacy Voskuil and Emily Edwards at SLAD, Sandy Morgan at Dimensions, Sarah Bernhardt at Intersect Arts Center - the list could go on. The work we are able to accomplish in the St. Louis community is truly incredible, and I am thankful to be a part of this formidable group of female directors. I'd also like to shout-out Lumosco Photo, Golden Gems, Union Studio, and La Patisserie Chouquette for being some of my favorite women-owned businesses.
Be fearless in your dreams and goals. Seek help and support when you need it. Invest in a community of collaboration - it's incredible the spaces women can create together.
Connect with Emily!
@emilyhaussler
@resiliencedancecompanystl
http://www.emilyhaussler.com