Mission Statement

Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD) is an all-female contemporary dance company based in New Jersey led by Artistic Director Ariel Grossman that creates a space for open-hearted movement collaborations rooted in women’s experiences. With live performances, global touring, and workshops for all ages, the company transcends the stage by exploring individual stories that connect to the broader community. Through movement, ARD creates a community of vulnerability and acceptance, providing opportunities for hope and connection.

ARTISTIC

STATEMENT

As an artist, my purpose is to share my soul through my creative work. It is my belief that to establish genuine connections with others, we must first disarm ourselves. I willingly embrace this process, recognizing that it is not a matter of choice but a necessary step towards authentic connection.

Dancers serve as individual vessels through which our shared stories, personal and true, are conveyed. Their movements and expressions can evoke visceral emotions in the receivers, allowing them to feel and experience the narratives deeply.

In my creative process, I prioritize radical honesty and transparency. I aim to be seen, heard, and understood by my collaborators and audiences. By expressing my true self through my art, I hope to evoke a response and foster understanding. I create a space for vulnerability, which shapes and informs the art. This allows genuine connections to develop.

-Ariel Grossman