Meet the Dancers: Molly Rapp’s Love Letter to St. Louis
From Saint Louis Dance Theatre's "Meet the Dancers" series.
When I think about what keeps me grounded as an artist, I don't have to look far. St. Louis isn't just where I dance—it's where I grew up, where I trained, and now, where I get to raise my son while performing with Saint Louis Dance Theatre. This city has always been home, and being able to share this career with my community means everything to me.
Ballet has always been my first love. I'm drawn to the beauty, grace, and precision it demands. That challenge never gets old, and I find those elements bleeding into everything I do—whether I'm learning new contemporary choreography or finding my center before a performance. There's something about the discipline of ballet that keeps me hungry to grow.
This season, I've been reflecting on the pieces that have shaped me most. I am absolutely in love with Picture Studies, which we performed with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in 2024. Dancing with live music is such a gift, but dancing with the orchestra right behind us was a dream! I loved the choreography, but most of all sharing the stage with such a massive amount of talent—musicians and dancers alike. I would do this one again in a heartbeat.
I can't really pick just one though. I have truly loved everything I've gotten the chance to be a part of. Performing The Calling by Jessica Lang is definitely a highlight for me—I will never forget the sense of peace I felt while performing this solo. And I would be remiss if I didn't throw in Sechs Tänze. I have never had so much fun performing with my friends! A complete dream for me to perform a Kylián piece.
People ask me what influences me as an artist, and honestly, it's the people around me. I love being surrounded by dancers who are so passionate about what they do. We all push each other to do our best, and I treasure my time creating with all these beautiful people.
As for challenges? I would say the mental demands are tougher than the physical ones. The drive for perfection is very high, and it can be taxing comparing yourself to others. But the best advice I've ever received keeps me steady: "Do it for yourself."
When I need to recharge, you'll find me at the St. Louis Zoo with my son, Rusty. Being a STL girl, I have a hard time picking just one favorite spot, but I've always loved the zoo—and now I get to enjoy fun zoo days with him. No trip is complete without Ted Drewes for a treat. The Blue Note concrete is my favorite.
I'm heading into my eighth season with Saint Louis Dance Theatre, and I'm more grateful than ever. Balancing roles as a dancer, director of operations, and mom isn't always easy, but it's a privilege to do work I love in a city that raised me.
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