about us
Mission
Emily Hansel and Collaborators' (EHC’s) mission is to produce high quality, publicly accessible choreographic works while dismantling systems of oppression in the contemporary dance field. We advocate for equitable and ethical working conditions for dancers, especially those who are disabled, BIPOC, trans, queer, women, and multi-marginalized. EHC operates within the anti-oppression frameworks of disability justice, antiracism, and feminism both in terms of the content of our productions and the processes by which they are made. EHC takes great care to prioritize equity, health, and sustainability during the creative process and we regard the artistic process as equally important to the artistic product. We strive for a constant practice of challenging the status quo and invite our audiences to join us in this practice.
“Hansel’s excellence in process included transparent fundraising, equitable and safe working conditions for the performers, and ongoing consent that should be a standard bearer for the performing arts world....I look forward to seeing what’s next for them.”
our Programs
EHC’s programming falls into two main categories: Accessible public performances of new choreographic works by Emily Hansel in collaboration with other artists, and more niche programming that is designed specifically to engage multi-marginalized artists in the concert dance field and allies invested in equity.
public performances
These include live dance shows, dance films, and work-in-progress showings
EHC engages in residencies and thoughtfully designed rehearsal processes leading up to these public performances.
Prioritizing healthy, equitable, sustainable working conditions for dancers drives the development and content of EHC’s choreographic work more than anything else. While all of our choreographic work fits under the umbrella of contemporary dance, the aesthetic and movement style varies widely from project to project based on the artistic preferences of the unique dancers/collaborators involved.
Programs for artists
These tackle EHC’s goal to educate dance artists about their rights and empower them to challenge the deeply sown injustices in our field.
Programming includes public speaking engagements, online resources, community groups, consulting work, public workshops/conversations, community meetings, and dance classes for professionals where health, safety, and accessibility are emphasized.
Designed with constant input from artists on the EHC team as well as artists in our community.
EHC is also known for our Theater Takeover Workshops for kids and we typically host one of these in affiliation with each of our productions.
