Richard Daniels is an award-winning filmmaker, choreographer, and dance artist whose work uniquely merges modern dance and film. Known for blending expressive movement with innovative technology, Daniels has created a body of work that continues to inspire and redefine the art of dance filmmaking.
The Pandemic Dances
Created during a time of global isolation, The Pandemic Dances emerged as both a personal and artistic response to the limitations of the COVID-19 era. Filmed entirely within Daniels’ apartment using only smartphones, portable lighting, computers, and green screen technology, the series transforms confinement into creativity.
Award-Winning Documentaries
Daniels’ filmography also includes a series of acclaimed short documentaries that explore creativity, identity, and the art of observation.
His touching short film “Reuven Does the Neighborhood One Last Time” follows a young boy’s final exploration of his childhood neighborhood before moving away. Through places once loved, favorite spots, and memories shared with his parents, the film beautifully captures the essence of early childhood discovery. It has received 8 film festival awards and been screened in 17 festivals worldwide.
In “silently, a bloom…” (2016), Daniels turns his lens toward visual artist Stanley Goldberg, documenting the photographer’s process as he draws inspiration from two gardens and prepares for a new exhibition. This intimate portrait of an artist’s creative rhythm has earned 6 awards and appeared in 13 film festivals, further cementing Daniels’ reputation as a filmmaker who celebrates artistry across mediums.
Dances for an iPhone — Merging Movement and Technology
Perhaps most renowned for his innovative Dances for an iPhone series, Richard Daniels brought the art of modern dance to a digital audience. Across four app volumes containing 28 short dance films, this groundbreaking project introduced contemporary dance to mobile users worldwide. Since its launch, Dances for an iPhone has reached audiences in over 110 countries, with more than 18,000 downloads and widespread acclaim.
The final volume, Dancing Sondheim, features seven short dance films choreographed by Daniels and Christopher Caines, each inspired by the timeless music of Stephen Sondheim. The series was recognized with numerous awards, including:
- Award of Merit for Dance, Drama, Entertainment & Variety — IndieFEST Film Awards
- Award of Merit for Choreography — Accolade Global Film Awards
- Honorary Mention — Colortape International Film Festival (Australia)
- International Award of Excellence — International Film Festival for Peace, Inspiration, and Equality
These works have been celebrated at premier venues such as the Baryshnikov Arts Center, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and Lincoln Center’s Dance on Camera Festival, and screened in 15 international film festivals.
Artistry and Vision
Through his continued exploration of dance, film, and digital storytelling, Richard Daniels demonstrates how art can transcend barriers — whether technological, physical, or emotional. His films invite audiences to experience movement not only as performance, but as a profound form of personal expression and healing.
To learn more about Richard Daniels’ creative projects or to explore his full filmography, visit DanielsFilms.com — a hub celebrating the art of dance through the lens of film.
Site photographic credits:
Kermit Mercado: Richard Daniels; Stanley Goldberg: Deborah Jowitt, Richard Daniels, Carmen de Lavallade, Phillip Szporer at Jacob’s Pillow; Richard Daniels; Mikhail Baryshnikov, Richard Daniels at BAC
All other photographs by Richard Daniels / Dances for an iPhone
