CHOREOGRAPHY
I’ve always turned to dance as a way to express what I can’t quite put into words. Growing up in competitive studios and falling in love with musical theatre, I learned early on that movement could carry a story, a feeling, or a spark of magic all on its own. That belief still guides my work today—using the versatility of theatrical movement to share something honest and truthful. As a performer, I value that kind of storytelling: the kind that lives in the whole body and communicates emotion before a single word is spoken.
My choreography pulls from the wide mix of styles I grew up with and the deeper understanding I’ve developed through my BFA training, blending them into narratives that invite both clarity and curiosity. Storytelling anchors everything I do. I’m drawn to the quiet electricity that forms between performer and audience—the shared breath and connection, the sense that we’re discovering something together.
With this in mind, I strive to develop my pieces by working with the dancers on intention, helping them discover and engage with various aspects of their performance to help bring the audience into the world we are building. I cultivate a supportive rehearsal environment so that my dancers feel that they can take risks and reach the fullest extent of their capabilities. Musicality, shaped by years of tap training, also grounds my process, acting as a driving force for my choreography creation.
I hope my work gives audiences a gentle break from their day, offers a journey they can lean into, and creates a little magic along the way.
UPCOMING
Elle is thrilled to be the choreographer of Chicago: Teen Edition for the Musical Theatre Class at Rock Ridge Theatre Arts. With a love for dance and storytelling, she is eager to bring to life this iconic show with the cast and creative team. The production opens in December 2026.
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Senior Capstone
As part of the VCU Dance and Choreography curriculum, each dancer is tasked with creating a senior capstone work, fully engaging in the creation, fundraising, and marketing processes from inception to performance.
Frequency-Resonance Fall 2025 Senior Capstone Concert Details
a light too bright to keep, created by Elle Hardesty explores the process of uncovering the hidden “jewels” – those unique, creative gifts often concealed by fear or insecurity – within us and bringing them forward. Through the versatility of movement and storytelling, Hardesty and seven dancers explore the moments of discovery, hesitancy, courage, and the breakthroughs that artists face. At its core, this work celebrates the journey of embracing and sharing one’s creative gifts and inner magic with the world.
Musical Theatre
Elle has a passion for choreographing Musical Theatre and has extensive experience, especially with young performers. Most recently, she choreographed Frozen Jr. with Rock the Stage, creating engaging and fun choreography that helped students develop their dance skills and boost their confidence in storytelling. Her dedication to nurturing young talent is evident in all her work.
