Renée Austin (Company Dancer) a Chicago native, began dancing in 2004 at Mayfair Dance Academy under direction of Peggy Sutton. She has additionally trained at Diverse Elements Dance Studio, Encore Dance Center, Arizona School for the Arts, Velocity Dance Center, and Spectrum Dance Theater in their Academy Program. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a BA in Dance and minor in Psychology (2023), Renée continues exploring the depths of her artistry, intrigued by the relationship between music and dance, merging various dance styles, and understanding the human experience. She has learned from and worked with renowned artists including Donald Byrd, Melanie George, Eva Stone, Keyes Wiley, Cecil Slaughter, David Marchant, Joanna Dee Das, Antonio Douthit-Boyd, Anthony “Redd” Williams, MJ Imani, Ashley Tate, Erin Morris, Maria Majors, Emily Duggins Ehling, Caroline Gonsalves Bertho, Ryadah Heiskell,  Elinor Harrison, Kendra Key, and Heather Beal. A choreographer, teacher, and performing artist, Renée has worked with numerous organizations including The Black Rep, COCA, STL Rhythm Collaborative, Anheuser-Busch through Pack Dance (formerly CKDC), and St. Louis Artist’s Guild through Jazz Shift. She has performed and choreographed for Summerfest in Milwaukee and City Winery with RnB artist KBtheSinger, and recently creative directed and starred in his music video for his single “Rock.” Renée is elated to join RESILIENCE for the 2023-2024 season!