MISSION
RIOULT Dance is committed to supporting the artistic vision of its founder and choreographer, Pascal Rioult, through the creation and performance of new works. The organization also strives to nurture aspiring dancers, while promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art of dance among the public and within the education system.
RIOULT Dance is dedicated to fostering a culture of equity, fairness, and belonging in every aspect of its work. Acknowledging its emergence
Through modern dance, RIOULT creates a vibrant, inclusive community where all voices are valued and empowered. Its performances, educational programs, and outreach initiatives aim to inspire, connect, and uplift, ensuring everyone feels welcomed, represented, and part of the transformative power of dance.
from a world shaped by discrimination, the organization strives to eliminate inequity and celebrate diversity as a strength.
THE COMPANY
After a four-year hiatus following the COVID pandemic, 2024 marked RIOULT Dance’s joyous return to the stage—a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the deep connection shared with our audience. For over 30 years, the theater has been a place where RIOULT’s artistry brings communities together, and the company looks forward to continuing this tradition in the 2025-26 season and beyond with renewed energy and vision.
Founded in 1994, RIOULT Dance fast became an established name in modern dance with a reputation for presenting the sensual, articulate, and exquisitely musical works of its founder, Pascal Rioult. Based in New York City, the company presents an annual New York season, tours nationally and internationally, conducts in-school arts education programs, community engagement, and dance training for the public through classes, workshops, and intensives.
RIOULT Dance is highly committed to its dancers, providing each of its dancers’
creative development fostered through training classes, teaching opportunities, and challenging repertory in addition to comprehensive rehearsal and performance schedules. The company is fortunate to have welcomed new dancers over the years and retained many―some of whom have danced with the company for over a decade.
Education and community outreach have been core pillars of RIOULT Dance since its founding. Through its arts-in-education program, DanceREACH, the company introduces students to the world of modern dance with an engaging, interactive approach. This initiative has touched the lives of thousands of students and community members locally, nationally, and internationally. RIOULT Dance’s enduring partnerships with schools across New York City and the metropolitan area continue to inspire and nurture new generations of dancers and audiences.
RIOULT Dance NY has performed in theaters and festivals throughout North America including New York City Center Fall for Dance (New York, NY), Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors (New York, NY), American Dance Festival (Raleigh NC), the Annenberg Center (Philadelphia, PA), the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (West Palm Beach, FL), and Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley, CA), among others. Widespread international touring has brought the company to Pascal Rioult's homeland of France for the Cannes International Festival, Danse à Aix, Festival du Val du Marne, Temps le Danse Festival, Paris Opera Bastille, and La Maison de la Danse, as well as to the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts (Bermuda), the Tamaulipas International Festival (Mexico), Le Grand Théâtre De Québec (Canada), and the stages of Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and others worldwide.
History
Initially operating from Pascal Rioult & Joyce Herring’s New York City apartment, the organization has grown impressively over the last two decades. To date, Pascal Rioult has created over 50 dances premiering at least one new work every year, presented 25 New York Seasons, toured Europe and North America and has employed 10 dancers over 25 years.
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Before the official establishment of RIOULT Dance in 1994, the company’s legacy was already taking shape through the distinguished dance careers of Pascal Rioult and Joyce Herring. Pascal Rioult had the honor of working with May O’Donnell and Paul Sansardo before performing as a principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company for ten years. His deep roots in American modern dance, combined with those of Joyce Herring—also a principal with the Graham Company—enabled the husband-and-wife team to carry forward the legacy of this art form. Over the past 25 years and counting, they have continued to evolve and expand that legacy in their own unique and enduring way.