You know those conversations that unexpectedly delve into the profound, leaving you feeling deeply connected? That’s akin to our insightful discussion with Rena Butler from Gibney Dance Company. From her formative years to her experiences with renowned companies like Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and navigating life as a dancer amidst a global pandemic, Butler generously shared her journey and perspectives. Let’s explore the highlights of our conversation and discover Butler Where her passion for dance truly resides.
Discovering Dance: Butler Where It All Began
“My introduction to dance,” Butler recounts, “mirrors many dancers’ beginnings. As a child, I was always choreographing for my younger sisters. We’d craft paper tickets for family holiday shows. My parents encouraged us to explore various activities, but as we grew older and costs increased, we had to narrow our focus. Coming from a family deeply involved in swimming and water polo, I chose to pursue dance. A significant factor, perhaps humorously, was that I had relaxed hair and dance allowed me to maintain my hairstyles! During puberty, appearance mattered, and I dreamt of being a backup dancer for Janet Jackson. MTV’s Making the Video was my favorite show. I was fascinated by the creation of music videos by artists like Britney Spears and Missy Elliot. I would even critique them, imagining my own contributions, convinced I could be on the show.”
Rena Butler. Photo by Lindsay Linton.
Rena Butler, a prominent figure in contemporary dance, captured in a portrait by Lindsay Linton. This image reflects her dedication and passion for the art form.
Butler’s passion for dance intensified. She attended The Chicago Academy for the Arts and also explored salsa dancing. “For a period, I envisioned myself as a ballroom diva, relishing the chance to wear rhinestone heels, especially since I wasn’t allowed to wear heels outside the studio as a young teen. After high school, SUNY Purchase was my next step, and I thrived there. The school’s diversity and progressive approach, combined with a comprehensive curriculum, were invaluable. Purchase broadened my horizons, deepened my love for dance, and provided clarity about my path. Studying abroad in Taipei, Taiwan, also led me to a significant connection – Kyle Abraham, who became one of my closest dance colleagues.” This period marks butler where she began to solidify her professional trajectory in dance.
Butler Where Her Journey Took Flight: Key Milestones
“My professional dance journey truly took off when I started working with Kyle Abraham during my senior year of college, a collaboration that lasted four years. Concurrently, I danced for David Dorfman, Bill T. Jones, and my partner, Manuel Vignoulle. After these enriching experiences with diverse choreographers, I sought to join a repertory company. I vividly remember auditioning for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago just five hours after landing in Chicago from an Eastern European tour, battling jetlag. Thankfully, Manuel’s encouragement propelled me, and I was offered a position. Hubbard Street was transformative. It had been nearly a decade since the company had a Black female dancer, making it a significant role to step into. Working alongside seasoned dancers at Hubbard, and previously with Bill T., fostered my growth, helping me to embrace and own my identity.” For Butler, butler where she danced shaped not only her career but also her personal development.
Gibney Dance Company: Butler Where Advocacy Meets Artistry
“Being part of Gibney Dance Company is an incredible privilege. I’m not aware of any other company that integrates advocacy with dance so profoundly. My advocacy work is as integral as my role as a full-time dancer. Beyond our daily dance schedule from 10 am to 5 pm, each company member is tasked with developing an original advocacy project that addresses a need within the dance community or the broader community. Gibney provides resources—from mentorship to workshops to financial support—to nurture sustainable advocacy projects, enabling us to realize our ideas and cultivate our philanthropic identities. My project focuses on choreographic workshops for teenagers. I am deeply committed to empowering young artists to create work that reflects their identities and cultures, while engaging with and questioning the world around them.” At Gibney, butler where Butler works is a space where artistic expression and social responsibility are deeply intertwined.
Butler Where Inspiration Resides: Memorable Performances
When asked about her favorite performances, Butler struggled to pick just one. “Choosing just one is impossible; I’ll give you five. First, Black and White by Manuel Vignoulle. This piece, choreographed by my partner, was both incredibly challenging and a deeply personal gift to our relationship. It transformed me as both a dancer and a partner.
“Then, Story/Time by Bill T. Jones. In this piece, Bill sits on stage, reading stories from a white book at a white table. The 70-minute performance order changes each time, decided just hours before curtain. I loved the spontaneity and the raw, live energy it created.
Elliot Hammans of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in Rena Butler
Elliot Hammans of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago performing in Rena Butler’s ‘This, That, and the Third’, captured by Cheryl Mann. The image showcases the dynamic movement and expressive quality of Butler’s choreography.
“Everything Kyle Abraham creates is remarkable, but if I must choose, it would be Pavement, inspired by boys in the hood.
“I also deeply admire Ohad Naharin’s work. Project 5 stands out—five women in black dresses in constant rotation. It’s physically grueling, yet the piece is 15 minutes long. I love the resilience it demands, the feeling of being internally liberated. This kind of endurance reveals fundamental aspects of oneself. Dance, in this sense, becomes a direct channel to spirituality, a bodily dialogue. That’s the essence of technique – valuing your body above all else.
“Finally, Man in the Waters by Bill T. Jones. Created shortly after his partner’s passing and during a time when one of his dancers was battling AIDS, this 40-minute piece of relentless diverolls, petit allegro, and running was profoundly moving. Knowing the context, it was incredibly inspiring to dance about something so weighty and significant.” For Butler, butler where these pieces took her emotionally and physically was as important as the performance itself.
Choreography: Butler Where Vision Takes Shape
Reflecting on her choreographic approach, Butler shares, “My primary question when creating is, ‘How can I not only showcase the inherent beauty of the dancers but also reveal aspects of themselves they might not yet see?’ By focusing on their individuality, the message becomes clearer, allowing the audience to connect personally. I aim to create accessible choreography and champion diverse casts. Inclusivity isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifelong commitment. Through dance, by caring for each other both abstractly and concretely, we can foster positive change, even in small increments.” This is butler where Butler’s artistic vision truly comes to life, emphasizing connection and inclusivity through movement.
You can follow Rena Butler on Instagram: @renabutler.
By Charly Santagado of Dance Informa.
