Rebecca Darling

Rebecca Anderson Darling is a passionate and dedicated dance educator with a career spanning over two decades. As the founder and artistic director of Studio D and D-tour Dance Company, her mission is to provide a nurturing and inspirational environment where dancers of all ages and abilities can find their passion and purpose through movement.

Rebecca’s love for dance began at a young age, leading her to train extensively in ballet, gymnastics, and modern dance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from UCLA, where she developed a deep understanding of both the art and science of dance. Following her time at UCLA, Rebecca completed a two-year Professional Training program at The Nikolais and Louis Dance Lab, focusing on dance technique, improvisation, composition, and performance. Her professional performance career includes work with internationally renowned companies such as Pilobolus Dance Theater, The Murray Louis & Nikolais Dance Company, Alison Chase Performance, and Janis Brenner, among others.

A pivotal decade of Rebecca’s career began in 1994 when she joined Pilobolus. Her time with the company was marked by a rapid ascent into a position of creative leadership. Just three years after joining, she was promoted to Rehearsal Director in 1997, a significant indicator of her profound understanding of the company’s unique collaborative process. Beyond her role as a performer, Rebecca was a key collaborator in the creation of many new works during this time. She also choreographed Pilobolus’ first community piece for dancers of all ages and was the creator of their first Summer Camp program.

Following her decade-long tenure, Rebecca joined “Pilobolus Too,” the company’s duet arm. This transition underscored her mastery of the company’s signature “partnering” and “weight sharing” techniques. Her contributions also bridged artistic worlds, as she assisted mentor Alison Becker Chase in collaborations with the New York City Ballet and The Radio City Rockettes. This work demonstrates that she was a trusted artistic conduit, capable of translating the avant-garde style of Pilobolus to more established dance forms. She also worked with Moses Pendleton, a founder of Pilobolus who went on to create the company MOMIX, and collaborated with Martha Clarke, another founding member, further cementing her place within the company’s creative lineage.

Last year, Rebecca was the recipient of the 18th Annual Del Kieffner Award from Performing Arts Educators (PAE). This national award is presented annually to a performing arts director who has gone above and beyond in mentoring young students. According to the organization, Rebecca’s dedication to mentoring young dancers is what truly sets her apart. She was recognized for her work as the founder of Studio D and D-tour Dance Company, where she has directed 26 original productions, inspiring the next generation of dancers. Her contributions as a master teacher at institutions such as the New York City Ballet’s Choreographic Institute, The American Dance Festival, Wesleyan University, and Lincoln Center Institute, along with her global masterclasses, were also highlighted. Rebecca is also a  Pilates teacher and has been a visiting professor at Naugatuck Community College, Dartmouth College, and The Hotchkiss School.

More than a teacher, Rebecca is a mentor who is deeply committed to the personal growth of each student. She believes that dance provides valuable life skills—discipline, confidence, and self-expression—that extend far beyond the studio walls. Her philosophy is centered on creating a positive and inclusive community where every dancer, from the youngest beginner to the aspiring professional, feels seen, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Rebecca’s warm and encouraging approach has made Studio D a beloved institution and a true home for dance in the community.