Danielle Russo

Danielle Russo is an Assistant Professor of the Practice in Cornell University's Department of Performing & Media Arts, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a BFA and BA from NYU, and an MFA from Hollins University/ADF. Her work bridges experimental dance, intermedia performance, and community activism, focusing on socially engaged public art.

Education: BFA in Dance (NYU Tisch), BA in Anthropology (NYU), MFA in Dance (Hollins University/ADF).

Research emphasizes 'sensoriums' that merge environmental engagement with collective movement, particularly addressing climate change and environmental racism. Recent projects like Final Notice use technology to map coastal Brooklyn's floodplains through community collaboration. Awards include multi-year grants from NYC Cultural Affairs, Cornell Council for the Arts, and fellowships from international institutions.

Teaching includes NYU’s Big Ideas Course Performance as Protest, SUNY Purchase’s critical dance studies, and global residencies. Her Performance as Protest pedagogy connects art to social activism, featuring international artists addressing urgent causes.

Labs/Teams: Founded Danielle Russo Performance Project (DRPP) in 2010, producing large-scale public performances. Collaborates with Red Hook Initiative, El Puente, and scientists/technologists on climate justice projects.