I'm Mack Mercury.

By day, I'm a self-employed marketing strategist, branding & graphic designer, content developer & copywriter, and DEIB consultant

(DEIB = diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging).

I've been supporting myself through creative marketing work since I graduated from Saint Louis University, but I've been passionate about performance for much longer: I've been dancing since 1997, competing since 2002, and choreographing & teaching since 2006.

I'm also Dickie Rebellion.

I'm also a drag king, genderbending performance artist, and show producer and emcee. I'm best known for my tap dancing, comedy, and musical theatre numbers - as well as my love for classic rock and absurd mashups.

I've been performing as Dickie since 2017 and producing shows since 2018, and was also the 2019 King of Pride St. Louis. After a hiatus, I'm now back to performing in and near St. Louis & Memphis!

Photo by Terry Witt.

Introducing Direct Motion

Direct Motion is a fully online dance studio offering weekly, all-levels recreational ballet, tap, modern, and conditioning classes! This is the embodiment of my mission to:

Make quality performing arts education accessible and affordable
Cultivate affirming creative community from the safety & comfort of home
Carve out a truly empowering space in the dance world - free from the body shaming, unhealthy studio politics, homophobia, and transphobia that plagued the dance world I grew up in.

Drop in for a class through the event calendar below, or click here to sign up for a monthly membership!

Mon 03 Apr
all-levels online modern/contemporary
Google Meet
Multiple Dates
Buy Tickets
Apr 03, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT
Google Meet
A gentle stretch/warmup followed by creative movement exercises and simple choreography
Wed 05 Apr
beginner/intermediate tap skills
Google Meet
Multiple Dates
Buy Tickets
Apr 05, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT
Google Meet
Wed 05 Apr
intermediate/advanced tap choreo
Google Meet
Multiple Dates
Buy Tickets
Apr 05, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Google Meet
This is where we put together the steps we learned & practiced during 6pm tap skills, and give ourselves a fun challenge by putting them to music!

Direct Motion FAQs

If your question isn't covered here, please reach out via email to directmotion.mack@gmail.com

What should I wear to class?

Wear whatever clothing you can move freely and feel comfy & confident in! The competitive dance studio I grew up in required us to wear a leotard and tights, which left me feeling super self-conscious (and was a sensory nightmare). For our recreational purposes, gym shorts, sweats, leggings, t-shirts, and tanks are now my usual go-to.

When it comes to footwear:

For most classes, bare feet, socks, ballet slippers, dance paws, or jazz shoes will work just fine - take your pick!
Tap shoes are not required for tap classes, but closed-toe, hard sole shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.
Athletic shoes are recommended for stretch & strengthening classes.

What if I've never danced before?

In that case, I'd be honored to be your first dance teacher. Classes at Direct Motion are all levels, and I teach multiple versions of dance skills and choreography so you can engage and enjoy class no matter how much experience you have - even if that's none at all!

Who are classes for?

Classes at Direct Motion are open to all adults ages 18+, but especially catered to fellow queer, trans, and neurodivergent creatives.

Have you always wanted to take dance classes but never had the chance? Or did you grow up in a dance studio and take a break from dancing when you came out? Somewhere in between, or something else entirely?

You're more than welcome here!