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 fifteen 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 and Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, where he received the 2018 Artistic Achievement Award.
DAWN STANISLAW
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Until October 2015, Dawn M. Stanislaw served as Chief Financial Officer and on the Board of Directors of Tampico Beverages, Inc., a global brand sold in more than 50 countries around the world. Tampico Beverages supplies concentrates for one of the leading drink punches in retail stores across America and it is one of the principal suppliers of value added drink concentrates in the world. Ms. Stanislaw had been with Tampico Beverages since its founding in 1990. She was a major force in transitioning the Company through two changes in ownership, from a family run business, to an Private Equity owned company, to the current ESOP ownership.
Prior to joining Tampico Beverages, Ms. Stanislaw was employed as a Certified Public Accountant at Vitale, Caturano & Co., a regionally based accounting firm in Boston, MA. During her employment Ms. Stanislaw was exposed to all aspects of client relationships including compilations, reviews, audits and tax preparation. Ms. Stanislaw attended Simmons College in Boston, MA where she achieved a degree majoring in Mathematics and Accounting. She then went on to earn her Masters in Taxation at DePaul University.
Ms. Stanislaw is currently on the Board of Directors for the Joffrey Ballet and is a member of the Finance Committee and the Dance Academy Committee. She is also a member of the Joffrey Women’s Board and sits on the Women’s Executive Committee. In addition, she is involved as co-chair for the Joffrey Ambassador Committee. The Joffrey is a world-class, Chicago based ballet company and dance education organization committed to artistic excellence and innovation, presenting a unique repertoire encompassing masterpieces and cutting-edge works.
Ms. Stanislaw also serves as a board member of Reading In Motion and is the vice-chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Board Engagement Committee. Reading In Motion is a non-profit organization whose goal is to get every student reading at grade level or above during their early years, especially students whose environment or other circumstances put them in greater need of support. To accomplish this, the organization partners with schools and teachers to deliver an engaging and innovative reading curriculum, in both English and Spanish, together with on-site specialized coaches to inspire students to learn and teachers to grow.
Ms. Stanislaw currently volunteers at Heartland Alliance/Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care. This organization helps people living with HIV/AIDS throughout metropolitan Chicago improve their health and build self-sufficiency by providing food, nutrition counseling and education, housing, case management and counseling services.
She has also volunteered with the Chicago Food Depository, Chicago Cares, Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Lights Tutoring and the Chicago Marathon.
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.
