SunDance Guest Instructor: Dante Puleio
Dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Dante Puleio, was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Limón Dance Company. He trained at the Laban Centre in London, the North School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds UK, and received his BFA from University of Arts in Philadelphia. After a diverse performing career with the Limón Dance Company, touring national and international musical theatre productions, television and film, he received his MFA from University of California, Irvine. His research focuses on contextualizing mid 20th century dance for the contemporary artist and audience. As Artistic Director of LDC, Dante is committed to implementing that research by celebrating José Limón's historical legacy and reimagining his intention and vision to reflect the rapidly shifting 21st century landscape.
Dante was the featured Limón Modern instructor at last year’s SunDance, and we are thrilled to welcome him once again—this time online!—to teach the 2020 intensive dancers a ‘Surprise Wednesday’ modern masterclass on July 22nd.
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What first influenced you to begin dancing? When did you realize that you wanted to pursue dance and/or dance education professionally?
I always loved dancing, but began formal training at 19. I took an actual dance class in college and realized this is what I am supposed to do.
Why do you think you gravitated towards ballet/modern/the style of dance you are currently most engaged with?
My first years of taking dance class I was concerned with doing the steps correctly and well. It was through Limón class that I learned that dancing was not just doing a series of steps well; Limón taught me that the steps were the vehicle to express myself through movement
What has been a career highlight for you?
Dancing for the Queen of Holland.
What is a challenge that you have faced in your dance career and how did you overcome it?
Self-doubt and people pleasing. I'm not sure I ever did [overcome that] as a performer.
Do you have any advice for young, aspiring dancers?
Take risks, be wrong, dance big, make mistakes, fall down, get up, laugh and doing it again and again and again.
Learn more about Dante and the Limón Dance Company:
Instagram: @limondance
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WATCH: an ally's attempt by Dante Puleio
WATCH: Dante Puleio's Advanced Modern Class at SunDance 2019
Photos by Kelly Puleio, Grace Landefeld, & Jazzy Faith
