Support the dancers of Leah's work 'A New Way'

My name is Leah Russell and I'm a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Seattle. I create work that blends physicality and emotional honesty, often exploring themes of transformation, resilience, and connection.

Earlier this year, I was awarded an emerging artist residency with the James Ray Residency and Touring Project through Seattle International Dance Festival to create a new work for the summer festival. The work, A New Way, explores hyper-independence and the struggle to resolve painful emotional patterns in isolation, contrasted with the possibility of healing through vulnerability and connection. When we allow ourselves to be fully seen in our truth, we give others permission to do the same, and that mutual witnessing and supporting can be a powerful transformative force. This work feels especially important right now, as so many of us are navigating grief, burnout, and disconnection while searching for ways to reconnect and feel held. It’s about how we carry pain alone, and how that shifts when we let ourselves be seen.

I’m raising $2,500 to support the three incredible dancers helping me bring this project to life: Olivia Link, Giordana Falzone, and Maisy Neil.

These amazing humans/artists have been showing up with courage, creativity, kindness, and commitment, and I want to honor their time with fair pay. $2,400 will go directly to them: $800 each for 40 hours of rehearsal at $20/hour. The remaining $100 will help cover essential expenses like costumes and additional studio rental time.

We will perform this piece on June 11th as part of the Seattle International Dance Festival at Broadway Performance Hall at 7:30pm. Tickets Here

Asking for funds as an artist is incredibly vulnerable, but it’s part of creating art in this modern world and building a sustainable, caring practice. If you’re able to support this vision at any degree, whether by donating or sharing or coming to see the show, I’d be deeply grateful and honored. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps support the work of these amazing local artists.

Thank you for your support and for believing in the power of art and community!

- Leah