“I strive to create work that sparks transformative experiences”
I am an Atlanta-raised, Chicago-based interdisciplinary creative—a choreographer, dancer, actor, and sound designer. Drawing from contemporary training with a ballet foundation, I find inspiration in the play between highly specific gestures and the complete abandonment of form, all within the context of character and storytelling. Collaborating with performers, I value their individual artistic voices, lived experiences, and technical expertise as we work together to actualize the work.
The driving force behind my work is the profound desire to process, understand, and find peace in the human experience. I firmly believe in the infinite capacity of dance to forge connections and cultivate empathy within ourselves, towards others, and for our environment. Through both linear and non-linear narrative structures, I delve into personal and collective histories, exploring the nuanced layers of our shared existence. Additionally, I am intrigued by the intersection of non-fiction and fantastical elements, weaving together elements of fantasy and fable to expand the boundaries of storytelling.
“I firmly believe in the infinite capacity of dance to forge connections and cultivate empathy…”
Sound design is an integral part of my creative process. By blending classical compositions, contemporary pieces, found sounds, samples, and original recordings, I craft immersive sonic landscapes. The placement and creation of sound in my work are carefully considered, reflecting the characters' experiences. It becomes a powerful tool to convey their emotions, whether the sound is an external representation or an expression of their internal state.
As a choreographer, I strive to create work that sparks transformative experiences. Through collaboration and the exploration of movement and storytelling, I aim to evoke emotions, provoke introspection, and foster a deeper understanding of the human condition.
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Noelle Kayser’s professional career began in 2011 at Luna Negra Dance Theater with an apprenticeship under the direction of Gustavo Ramirez Sansano—where she performed the company's repertoire domestically and internationally. In 2013, Noelle joined glo, an Atlanta-based collaborative performance platform founded by Lauri Stallings. Other credits include the Proia Dance Project, Erik Thurmond’s Ripple, Gathering Wild, The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Scrap Theater Group's one-woman play Leda (title role).
Noelle was a member of Visceral Dance Chicago under the direction of Nick Pupillo from 2015 through 2018. While at Visceral, Noelle had the opportunity to perform works by Marguerite Donlon, Danielle Agami, Kevin O’Day, Alice Klock, Stephanie Martinez, and many others. Noelle was a member of Northwest Dance Project under the direction of Sarah Slipper from 2019 through 2020. While at Northwest, Noelle had the opportunity to perform works by Sarah Slipper, Wen Wei Wang, Ihsan Rustem, and Patrick Delcroix. Noelle has also performed with Benjamin Wardell’s The Cambrians, Fly On A Wall (ATL), Open Space Dance (PDX), LED (Boise), and The Lyric Opera (CHI). In addition to dance, Noelle has narrated 16 audiobooks for Listen Up Productions / audible.com, co-starred in ‘Death in the Desert’ a short film written and directed by Anna Long, and appeared in industrial advertising for Grey Television, Kitchenaid, and Whirlpool. .
Noelle was the founding rehearsal director, dancer, and administrator for PARA.MAR Dance Theatre under the direction of Stephanie Martinez until the spring of 2023. AT PMDT, Noelle performed works by Jennifer Archibald, Robyn Mineko Williams, Helen Simoneau and Stephanie Martinez. Noelle was the assistant and repetiteur for Ms. Martinez for her creations on PARA.MAR Dance Theatre, Cincinnati Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, BalletX, Tulsa Ballet II, Bruce Wood Dance, South Chicago Dance Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater.
Noelle has choreographed for Ballare Carmel/Carmel Dance Festival, Boykin Dance Project, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater, Chicago Dance Crash, COMMON Conservatory, Dance in the Parks, DanceWorks Chicago, Hedwig Dances, Kit Modus, Moonwater Dance Project, Open Space Dance, SALT LINK Choreography Festival, SALT2, Visceral Dance Chicago, and Visceral Dance Chicago Trainee’s. Her piece for Kit Modus - The Excursion: Realized - was named one of 2018’s Highlights of the Year by ArtsATL. Noelle was the assistant choreographer for Lyric Opera’s Carmen in 2023. Noelle was the Ballet Mistress and the assistant choreographer for the Lyric Opera’s Jenufa in 2024.
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Open Class
Follow @noellekayser on Instagram to stay up to date on pop-up classes and Chicago Movement Collective contemporary series dates.
Solo Commission
YAGP, Audition, Competition
$750. Final quote adjusted per length of commissioned solo and number of rehearsal hours required. Rehearsal space must be arranged and provided by the dancer.
*Sliding scale and payment plans available.
Private Lesson
$75/hr. Coaching in ballet, contemporary, modern, and improvisation. Studio space must be arranged and provided by the dancer.
*Sliding scale available.