Visceral Dance Chicago has become a vibrant and essential part of the Chicago arts scene, captivating audiences since 2013. Known for seamlessly blending deep human emotions with the powerful language of dance and physical expression, the Visceral Dance Center, as it is sometimes referred to by enthusiasts, stands out as a nationally and internationally acclaimed force in contemporary dance. Founded and directed by the visionary Artistic Director Nick Pupillo, the company is celebrating its twelfth season of groundbreaking performances and community engagement.
About Visceral Dance Chicago
Under Nick Pupillo’s direction, Visceral Dance Chicago embodies a bold vision, constantly exploring the vast potential of contemporary movement. The company is dedicated to presenting a dynamic repertoire featuring both emerging and established choreographers who are pushing the boundaries of dance. Visceral Dance is celebrated for the exceptional technical skill, diversity of its dancers, versatile performance style, and daring athleticism displayed on stage. This commitment to excellence has solidified the company’s reputation as a leading visceral dance center for both performers and audiences alike.
Visceral Dance Chicago has earned accolades for its accessible and engaging programming. The company’s performances resonate with a broad spectrum of viewers, making contemporary dance appealing and relatable. In their home city of Chicago, Visceral Dance presents over 25 performances annually and is deeply committed to educational outreach. Through these initiatives, Visceral Dance expands its impact, ensuring that dance and art are accessible resources for all communities within Chicago and beyond.
Our Mission and Core Values
At the heart of the visceral dance center is a powerful mission: to create impactful and meaningful work that challenges, connects, and ultimately transforms both performers and audiences. Visceral Dance relentlessly pursues a deeper artistic intent, pushing the evolution of contemporary dance. The focus extends beyond mere technical proficiency to exploring the authentic human experience through the dancer’s artistry.
Visceral Dance strongly believes in building genuine connections – with audiences, with the choreographers they collaborate with, and with fellow artists who share the stage. This emphasis on connection and emotional resonance is what truly defines the “visceral” experience they offer.
“Such an astounding ability to communicate the inner-workings of the human soul…It is a rare gift to be able to speak to and command an entire room without physically saying a word and for that Visceral Dance Chicago should be commended.” – SPLASH MAGAZINE
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Visceral Dance is dedicated to fostering inclusion and equity, recognizing diversity as essential to a strong, unified, and thriving creative environment. This commitment is evident in every aspect of the visceral dance center, from the integration of diverse musical styles and choreographic voices to the representation within their dancers and staff. Visceral Dance champions collaboration across ethnicities, identities, cultures, and perspectives.
Through the arts, Visceral Dance actively works to dismantle barriers and promote allyship, awareness, respect, and appreciation for all voices, particularly those traditionally marginalized within societal norms. Their core values reflect this deeply held commitment:
- Representing and respecting all communities.
- Ensuring all voices are heard, valued, and recognized.
- Championing inclusivity through dance as a potent form of expression and a tool for healing, compassion, and collaboration, embracing all individuals regardless of identity, age, gender, race, physicality, or ethnicity.
