“My dream was to have a company. My dream was to create a space that was inclusive in every way, diverse, but really personable and connected,” says Nick Pupillo, founder and artistic director of Visceral Dance Chicago. “It’s in my body and my blood. My mom holds something in my scrapbook—in fifth grade I wrote about having a dance company someday! I always wanted to dance, but more than that, I loved programming, designing, producing, costumes, music—all the elements that go into it.”
Pupillo also began choreographing at IU—ballet, as per the program’s requirements. “Violette Verdy, one of Balanchine’s muses, was my teacher. She was strict and French; her fifth position was the tightest thing you’ve seen in your entire life. She was always good to me but knew I wasn’t a classical ballet dancer. When we presented our choreography to the faculty, she pulled me into the hallway. I was so nervous! She said, ‘This is your calling. This is your future. I see it now.’”
Nov 12-14, 5, 6, 7 and 8 PM; starts at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell, and ends at Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N. Rockwell, visceraldance.com, $15-$50.
