Mission
RudduR Dance’s mission is to use contemporary ballet and theatricality to create performances reflective of society. At a time when stating that Black Lives Matter is controversial, RudduR Dance empowers Blacks and sometimes, quite literally, lets them fly.
RudduR Dance investigates themes of the human condition and emphasizes that which unites us. The Company seeks to increase awareness and appreciation for American dance and culture by presenting original works both nationally and internationally. We strive to provide access to dance in society broadly, and in communities of the African Diaspora particularly.
In the same year, the company was granted residencies at both Kaatsbaan International Dance Center and STREB Lab for Action Mechanics, solidifying their place in the New York dance scene. Additionally, they were invited to Tofte Lake Center in Minnesota, providing a unique environment for creation and reflection.
In 2020, RudduR Dance's trajectory continued with a residency at the New Victory Theater LabWorks, where they began developing new works with a focus on youth engagement and community outreach. This residency was followed by another opportunity at the same venue in 2021, further cementing their relationship with New Victory Theater.
2021 also saw RudduR Dance participating in the Works & Process bubble residency at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, an innovative response to the pandemic allowing artists to create safely. This period was crucial for the development of new pieces, including those that would later feature in prominent performances.
In 2022, RudduR Dance returned to the New Victory Theater LabWorks, this time as part of the Launch program, aimed at elevating the company's profile and expanding their audience reach.
The year 2023 marked significant recognition for RudduR Dance, with residencies at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), Center for Ballet and the Arts, and Chelsea Factory. These residencies provided not only space and resources but also invaluable visibility in the competitive New York arts scene.
Throughout its journey, RudduR Dance has consistently aimed to push the boundaries of contemporary dance while addressing pressing social issues. Our commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement has garnered numerous accolades and a dedicated following.
As of 2024, RudduR Dance continues to thrive, creating powerful, socially relevant work that inspires and challenges audiences both in the United States and internationally.
A list of RudduR Dance’s past presentations can be found HERE.
History
RudduR Dance was established in 2015 by Christopher Rudd as a platform to create works of high artistic merit and to better the world through dance. Based in New York, RudduR Dance blends contemporary ballet, modern dance, and contemporary circus to speak to social issues.
In June 2015, RudduR Dance had its first opportunity to present thanks to STREB for Lab Action Mechanic’s GO! Emerging Artist Commission Program.
In 2017, the U.S. Embassy Burkina Faso, World Learning, and Arts Convoy – a Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State – supported the company with a two-city tour to Burkina Faso, West Africa.
In 2019, RudduR Dance delivered “RudduR Dance Empowers the Americas” in Ecuador. This engagement was supported, in part, by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through USArtists International in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Gilmore Foundation. “RudduR Dance Empowers the Americas” is a tour of its “Empowered” show, featuring “Witness: Part I – Yesterday”, across the Americas.
