DANCE MATTERS: Generating space for artistry and community.

OhioDance held its annual festival, Friday, April 26-Sunday, April 28, 2024, co-sponsored by The Ohio State University Department of Dance in Columbus, Ohio. There were two professional and one pre-professional concert.

The festival hired forty-one teachers that taught forty-one sessions from a variety of dance genres, including hip hop, Ballet Folklorico, physically integrated, Indian, Jazz, Salsa, Latin Fusion, and Belly Dance. Two monetary awards were given: one to a graduating senior and one to a college student.

Guest artist Nick Pupillo, Founder and Artistic Director of Visceral Dance Chicago, is an award-winning choreographer recognized for the power and versatility in his work. A graduate of Indiana University and former dancer with Giordano Dance Chicago, Pupillo’s focus quickly became concentrated on teaching and creating. 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. Since inception, the company has developed a diverse and respected repertoire by new emerging voices and distinguished, world renowned choreographers. Visceral Dance Chicago has been named one of Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch, recognizing the company’s accomplishments and potential in the national community. Pupillo has led the company in a forthright direction, establishing a repertoire described as “expertly devised and stylish as they come.” (Chicago Tribune) He has created fifteen signature works for the company, as well as four collaborations with The Chicago Philharmonic. www.visceraldance.com. Visceral Dance Company Chicago performed in the concert, provided an audition, and offered a session open to all.

Film “Telephone” The film was presented in collaboration with Art Possible Ohio as part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival Columbus. The film includes audio description, American Sign Language, and open captions. The first of its kind, Telephone was created specifically with a visually impaired audience in mind, while facilitating an immersive sensory experience for audience members of all sight levels. Featuring diverse disabled and non-disabled artists from across the globe, the film demystifies and legitimizes audio description, not just as an access tool, but as a beautiful, rich art form. The forty-five minute film was followed by a talkback with the co-directors, choreographer/filmmaker Heather Shaw and Dark Room Ballet Founder Krishna Washburn. More information about Telephone at: www.telephonefilm.com

Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 7:30pm-9:30pm Professional Theater Concert Choreographers: Sukanya Chand, Dancing Wheels Company, Brian Murphy; Lucy Dillon, GroundWorks DanceTheater, FLOCK: Florian Lockner and Alice Klock; Alisha Jihn, Catherine Meredith, Perennial Movement Group, John Giffin; Brianna Rhodes, Griset Damas Roche, and guest artist Nick Pupillo, Visceral Dance Chicago.

 

Friday, April 26, 2024 from 7:30pm-8:30pm Professional Theater Concert Choreographers: Angelina DiFranco, Mayhugh Fox, Gabriela Guerrero, Ana Hart, Josh Manculich, Richard Oaxaco, Emma Prochaska, Quianna Simpson, and Mansee Singhi.

 

Saturday, April 26 from 11am-12pm Free concert Pre-Professional Choreographers: Dallas Karr, ACPA Dance Company; Sukanya Chand, MUCAI Academy; Jenny Burnett, Hathaway Brown School; Michael Holland, Rankin Holland Irish Dance Academy; Melanie Szucs, Beck Center for the Arts; Ava Blundell and Summer Hathaway, Miami Valley Ballet Theatre; Yulia Lukyanova Moriarty, The ML Dance Academy; Jennifer Sandoval Eccher, Bard Dance Company.

 

Nick Pupillo, Visceral Dance Company Chicago Contemporary Session  Clip

Richard Oaxaca, Musical Theatre Clip

Ali Woerner, Languages of Dance Session Clip

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