News

The José Limón Dance Foundation has announced the appointment of Dante Puleio

On 1 July 2020, widely respected dancer and Trinity Laban alum Dante Puleio will become the sixth Artistic Director in the Limón Dance Company’s 74-year history.

Dante began his contemporary dance training aged 19 at the Laban Centre (now Trinity Laban), before moving to Northern Contemporary and then Philadelphia where he studied at the University of the Arts.

He went on to perform with the Limón Dance Company in New York for over a decade and has enjoyed a diverse career including national and international Broadway tours, television and movie appearances. He is currently a Visiting Professor of Dance at the University of Florida.

On becoming Artistic Director, Dante comments –

“I am so excited to return to the Limón Dance Company in this way. I am looking forward to collaborating with the Foundation to continue this historical legacy and reimagining José Limón’s vision to reflect these rapidly changing times.”

Speaking of his training he continues –

“At 19 years old I came to the Laban Centre [now Trinity Laban]. I had no training, no understanding of the art form, and I had no idea that stepping into that building in New Cross Gate in 1995 would lead to directing an international legacy company.

“I am so thankful that [Trinity] Laban took a chance on me and showed me all the beautiful facets of this diverse world of dance. It gave me a foundation and confidence that led to a career I had no idea was even possible. Now I am stepping into a role that was originated by José Limón’s mentor, Doris Humphrey, and this would not have been possible if it weren’t for my formative time with the faculty and my peers at [Trinity] Laban.”

Dante will succeed Colin Connor, who has been at the Foundation’s helm since 2016. In the Company’s announcement, Colin commented –

“I am happy to pass the torch to Dante Puleio, who brings a broad and forward-thinking vision drawn from his rich past with Limón and his strong educational background. The Legacy is in good hands and the future of the Company is bright.”

Hailed as one of the world’s greatest dance companies, the Limón Dance Company has been at the vanguard of American Modern dance since its inception in 1946. The Company is renowned for its technical mastery and dramatic expression, and is one of the two components of the José Limón Dance Foundation, which also conducts educational programs and disseminates the Limón repertory through the Limón Institute.

To learn more, visit the Limón Dance Company website

Find out more about studying at Trinity Laban on our dance pages.

Image: Dante Puleio staging The Traitor with Limón Dance Company (credit Grace Landefeld)