For over five decades, American extreme action specialist and professional movement artist Elizabeth Streb has been pushing the boundaries of the body and what is considered dance. Known for her daring installations, her presence across media, and the machines that shape her work, she spoke to ICONS about her journey of creating movement as action, her company Extreme Action and her method PopAction. She does not call herself a choreographer and shared her specific reasons why in the following interview.

Read the Full Interview with ELIZABETH STREB 

ICONS INSPIRE is a monthly digital portrait and a one-on-one interview with a groundbreaking choreographer. Get the insider point of view on an important dancemaker's creative process, background, and training to inspire, provoke, and challenge your intellectual repertoire.

• NEW Book for Aspiring Choreographers
• SUPPORT for Emerging Choreographers
• Choreographer Talks – LIVE!

Our organization's mission is to support emerging choreographers in all possible ways. We implement the innovative ICON SMART ℠ algorithm to help choreographers with their artistic research, effectively organize their creative processes, and articulate their ideas. We’re committed to collaborating with other organizations and offer inter-institutional intensives, workshops, mentorships, and professional development seminars. More info here.

Take a look at our updated resources ranging from current events, news, and trends to an international listing of artistic residencies, open calls, professional development workshops, and various other opportunities for emerging choreographers.

This book is a stunning photographic celebration of The Martha Graham Dance Company on its 100th anniversary, from Ken Browar and Deborah Ory, the creative team behind NYC Dance Project. Founded in 1926 by Martha Graham, The Martha Graham Dance Company is the oldest dance company in the United States and remains one of the world’s most distinguished and highly acclaimed. Purchase here.

Check out our regular postings of cross genre works and enjoy interesting selection of topics

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OPEN CALL: From Work-in-Progress to World Premiere. ICONS Choreographers’ Collective, a prestigious dance-presenting platform in Washington, D.C., seeks original dance works by Washington, D.C.-based and DMV-area choreographers. Deadline: Feb. 7, 2026. See performance dates, venue, and criteria HERE

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