Louisa Rankin

Louisa Rankin is a dance advocate, educator, and choreographer currently based out of Provo, Utah. She received an M.F.A. in Modern Dance from the University of Utah and a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University – Idaho. Her interests began as a drummer and creative writer and accumulated in the study of dance. Louisa is passionate about encouraging EVERYONE to dance and discover confidence through movement. Her modern dance technique challenges people to face fears and give in to gravity and momentum. She is inspired by diverse rhythmic patterns, sound design, and spontaneous movement through improvisation. Louisa advocates for dance as a significant academic pursuit and is a strong proponent for dance education for all ages. She is the 2018 recipient of the L. Scott Marsh Mentorship Award at the University of Utah, and has taught dance workshops in New York, Texas, Utah, Idaho, and the New England area. She has performed with U of U Performing Dance Company, BYU - Idaho Dance Alliance, The Dance Collaborative, and Aspire Modern Dance Company, and has worked with Stephen Koester, Shannon Vance Mckechnie, Wendy Bone, Ashley Hoopes, and Gary Larsen. As a stage manager and rehearsal director, Louisa has worked with Penny Saunders, Katie Sherman, Matthew Nenan, Michelle Wiles, Anna Azrieli, Brianna Lopez, and Molly Heller. In her choreographic research, she investigates social isolation and the implications of technology within human relationships. She currently serves as adjunct faculty at Brigham Young University and Snow College. www.louisamrankin.com