LEADERSHIP
NICK PUPILLO
FOUNDER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Nick Pupillo 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. In 2006, he decided to focus on training and mentoring young talent by developing the now reputable, pre-professional company, 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. 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 over twenty signature works for the company, as well as four collaborations with The Chicago Philharmonic.
Pupillo teaches master classes in the U.S. and around the world and has taught for the Jazz Dance World Congress, Culver Academies, Chicago Dance Connection, Texas Association Teachers of Dancing, and Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, where he received the 2018 Artistic Achievement Award. Pupillo recently was honored with a Meier Achievement Award for 2024.
CAITLIN CUCCHIARA
REHEARSAL DIRECTOR, VISCERAL DANCE CHICAGO
DIRECTOR, TRAINEE PROGRAM
Caitlin, born and raised in Rochester, New York, first began her dance training at the age of two. She is a 2011 graduate from Point Park University where she earned a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts, magna cum laude, with a Jazz concentration. Upon graduation, Caitlin began dancing with Thodos Dance Chicago. In 2013, Caitlin joined Visceral Dance Chicago as a founding member of the company.
During her career Caitlin has had the honor of performing works by Danielle Agami, Sidra Bell, Banning Bouldin, Mónica Cervantes, Brian Enos, Bob Fosse, Ohad Naharin, Robyn Mineko Williams, among others. Caitlin has been named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2016. She is excited to enter this new chapter in her artistic career as Rehearsal Director of Visceral Dance and Director of the Trainee Program.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
IAN BALES
PRESIDENT
Director, Life Science Growth
Engine Strategy, PwC
LISA MONTGOMERY
ANITA PANCHOLI
MARGARET MICHELSON
MARY LOU BELMONTE
