Nick Pupillo

Nick Pupillo, Founder and Artistic Director of Visceral Dance Chicago, graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Ballet. In 2001, Pupillo joined the acclaimed Giordano Dance Chicago where he toured nationally and internationally for three years. Pupillo decided in 2006 to train and mentor young talent by developing the prestigious Visceral Studio Company.

In 2007, he founded Visceral Dance Center to provide the Chicago community with a new venue for artistic and technical growth. This facility continues to be a Chicago dance landmark. TimeOut Chicago lists Visceral Dance Center as “A bustling, well-appointed facility…with instructors from top companies and in-demand guest teachers.” Utilized by a number of Chicago-based companies, Visceral Dance Center is home to its resident company, Visceral Dance Chicago.

Pupillo founded Visceral Dance Chicago in the fall of 2013. This repertory company presents his daring vision to explore the infinite possibilities of contemporary movement. The dancers of Visceral demonstrate this choreographic invention and are recognized for their technique, passion, and athleticism. In less than three years, Pupillo has led the company in a forthright direction, establishing a repertoire described as “expertly devised and stylish as they come.” (Laura Molzahn, Chicago Tribune) He created six signature works for the company, Impetere, Senza di te, My Realm, Sum Noir, She Three and Vital. He has also commissioned world premieres by Sidra Bell, Banning Bouldin, Monica Cervantes, Marguerite Donlon, Brian Enos, and Robyn Mineko Williams as well as company premieres by Ohad Naharin and Fernando Melo. Pupillo continues the company’s bold vision this season, commissioning works by Marguerite Donlon, heightening the”distinct flavor to this fledgling company that differentiates it from the other high kick, high flair, contemporary dance companies.” (Lauren Warnecke, Art Intercepts) 

Pupillo has received various awards for his choreography, including “The Dance Chicago Outstanding Choreography Award” in 2005 and 2012 and “The Cliff Dwellers 2013 Choreographer of the Year. His work has been described as “a stroke of choreographic genius…complex, tumbling changes…in this portrait of perpetual motion.” (Laura Molzahn, Chicago Tribune) “Nick Pupillo’s world premiere piece, She Three, was by far one of the most visually stunning performances I have encountered thus far.” (Rebecca Curl, Chicago Stage Standard) Pupillo is frequently invited to conduct master classes in the U.S. and around the world and has taught for the Jazz Dance World Congress, Chicago Dance Connection and Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. Pupillo is currently an artist in residence at Culver Academies.