Visceral Dance Chicago

Description

Founded in 2013 by Artistic Director Nick Pupillo, Visceral Dance Chicago is a contemporary dance company that is constantly pursuing a deeper focus of intent that continues to challenge audience expectations.  Visceral embraces the understanding that art is universal. Our goal is to promote connectivity by uniting communities through a powerful shared experience.  Since inception, the company has developed a diverse and respected repertoire by new emerging voices and distinguished, world renowned choreographers.

Work Sample

A sample of the Repertoire of Visceral Dance Chicago:

Impetere (2013), by Founder/Artist Director Nick Pupillo is his first work for the company. It is rich with fiery power and has become an audience favorite. The run time is 10 minutes.

Changes (2014) by Spanish choreographer Mónica Cervantes navigates our modern world, both the harsh and the poignant. Cervantes explores how different relationships begin, develop and end in our fast-paced world. Run time 16 minutes.

Ruff Celts (2016) by Marguerite Donlon manifests material from the dancers' unique personalities and the choreographers' Irish heritage. Using composed sections of improvisational forms, this high-energy, quirky and visually stunning work explores the dancers' own voices in relation to tribe and heritage. Run time is 20 minutes.

KEEP (2018) by Pupillo is a duet that represents the connection and emotion of Visceral. The run time is 6 minutes.

Synapse (2017) by Pupillo, is an immersive experience with a responsive interaction of music and dance. Electrical energy joins together the driving house beat of Darryl Hoffman's music with the technicality and provocativeness. The run time is 20 minutes and has been performed both with and without the LED lights.

TAKE (2018) created by Founder/Artistic Director Nick Pupillo, is an interconnection with Visceral that suggests you can’t take without giving and can’t give without taking.  While focused on a sense of community, Visceral offers a shared experience connecting to humans, not just as an audience but as individuals. Through intimacy and bold movements, Visceral gives a connective yet reactive energy that is selfless and unwavering. The piece in an interactive experience inviting a dialogue and conversation between dancers and audience members. TAKE premiered in November 2018 with an in-the-round setting allowing audiences an up-close connection with each artist on their journey throughout TAKE. Audience members have a shared experience and yet a profound and individual reaction to the work. This piece is best- suited in a venue which can have seating on all 4 sides. The run time is 70 minutes.

The Dream (2017) is the retelling of the Dostoevsky short story “The Dream of the Ridiculous Man”. The story chronicles the experiences of a man who decides that there is nothing of any value in the world. Slipping into nihilism, he is determined to commit suicide. However, after a chance encounter with a young girl, he begins an inner journey that re-instills a love for his fellow man. Originally created as a collaboration between Visceral and the Chicago Philharmonic, this evening length work can be paired with comparable local musical organization. With the dancers, musicians and vocalist positioned on stage, the Visceral dancers interact and move among everyone. This piece is best performed on a proscenium stage with suitable room the dancers, musicians and singer. Run time is 60 minutes.

The work samples submitted demonstrate Visceral’s breadth of abilities. Visceral is a flexible organization that prides itself on its ability to adapt. Visceral has performed on large proscenium stages (The Dream and repertoire programs), unique spaces (Take) and festivals (Dance for Life, Sta Lucia Festival in Monterrey Mexico). 

History

Founded in 2013 by Artistic Director Nick Pupillo, Visceral Dance Chicago believes in creating personal connections with diverse audiences, choreographers and other artists that share the stage.

Visceral’s work consist of:

Repertoire Performances focused on introducing works by Founder/Artistic Director Pupillo as well as new voices and established choreographers. Visceral has performed at the Harris Theater, Athenaeum Theatre, The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.

Full Evening Performances:
“TAKE”, performed in a non-traditional warehouse setting, the piece breaks down demographic and economic barriers so that dance can be shared broadly as a powerful source of expression.
“The Dream”, performed with an orchestra and vocalist, the retelling of the Dostoevsky short story “The Dream of the Ridiculous Man” and is best viewed on a proscenium stage.

Festival Appearances are important as they allow for interaction with the community. Most recently Visceral has participated in Dance 4 Life at the Pritzker Pavilion, Spring to Dance in St Louis, MO and, Sta. Lucia Festival, Monterrey, Mexico.

Collaborations
To date, Visceral has had five collaborations with the Chicago Philharmonic and is currently in discussions with Picosa, a musical ensemble. Visceral has also engaged local musicians to create original music.

Artistic Vision

To create work that is meaningful and powerful, that confronts us and connects us in a transformative way. Founded in 2013 by Artistic Director Nick Pupillo, Visceral Dance Chicago is a contemporary dance company that is constantly pursuing a deeper focus of intent that continues to challenge audience expectations.  Visceral embraces the understanding that art is universal. Our goal is to promote connectivity by uniting communities through a powerful shared experience.  Since inception, the company has developed a diverse and respected repertoire by new emerging voices and distinguished, world renowned choreographers.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

Visceral’s mission is to be accessible for all audiences. We believe dance is for everyone and strives to create programming that is enjoyable to all ages, races, socio and economic backgrounds.