Sunday, February 19, 2023

Nick Pupillo: The Entrepreneurial Choreographer Pushing the Boundaries of Contemporary Dance in Chicago

Nick Pupillo is a prolific dancer, choreographer, and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary dance. As a co-founder and Artistic Director of Visceral Dance Company, he has developed a reputation for his innovative choreographic works and his ability to create compelling performances that captivate audiences. Pupillo was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and started dancing at the age of 11. He trained at the Faubourg School of Ballet and the Lou Conte Dance Studio before joining River North Dance Chicago. During his time with River North, he worked with renowned choreographers such as Sherry Zunker, Frank Chaves, and Lauri Stallings. In 2007, Pupillo co-founded Visceral Dance Chicago with Erica Lynette Edwards, and together they created a company that has gained a reputation for its unique style and innovative choreography.

One of Nick Pupillo's most notable creative products is his choreographic work "Impetere." This piece is a fusion of contemporary dance and classical ballet, set to an original score by composer Greg Hosharian. The work explores themes of power, control, and resistance, and features intricate partnering and complex movement phrases. "Impetere" premiered in 2016 at the Harris Theater in Chicago and has since been performed by Visceral Dance Company at various venues throughout the United States.


Pupillo's creative process is deeply collaborative, and he often draws inspiration from the dancers with whom he works. He describes his choreographic process as a "conversation" between himself and the dancers, with each contributing to the creation of the final product. Pupillo is known for his attention to detail and his ability to push dancers beyond their comfort zones, resulting in performances that are both technically precise and emotionally compelling.


His motivations are mainly intrinsic, rooted in his passion for dance and his desire to create work that inspires and connects with audiences. He has stated that his goal as a choreographer is to create work that is both "meaningful and accessible," and that speaks to the human experience. Pupillo is also driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to create a sustainable arts organization that supports and empowers artists.


Nick Pupillo is a creative force in the world of contemporary dance, whose innovative choreography and entrepreneurial spirit have made a significant impact. Through his work with Visceral Dance Company, he has created a platform for artists to collaborate, create, and inspire. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to creating meaningful work that connects with audiences make him a visionary in the field of dance.


Sources:

https://www.visceraldance.com/nick-pupillo 

https://danceinforma.us/articles/nick-pupillos-new-work-impetere-premieres-at-harris-theater-in-chicago/ 

https://www.visceraldance.com/about-us 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/dance/ct-nick-pupillo-visceral-dance-chicago-ae-0219-20170216-story.html 

https://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/artists/nick-pupillo-artistic-director-visceral-dance-chicago 


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