Sustaining the Legacy of the Limón Dance Company with Dante Puleio and Michelle Preston

The Limón Dance Company is approaching its 75th anniversary and in today’s episode, we are joined by its Artistic Director, Dante Puleio, and Executive Director, Michelle Preston. Dante and Michelle’s passion for their work is palpable and over the next few years they plan to inject new energy into Limón while also preserving the company’s rich heritage. Tune in today to hear how dance changed the lives of these two guests, the journeys that led them to their current positions at Limón, and how, through marrying their different skill sets, they hope to enhance and empower the legacy of this institution. 

“I wasn’t really taking good care of myself emotionally or physically and when I started dancing, that’s when I woke up and started to find that I had a purpose.” – Dante Puleio, MSP 149

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dante shares an overview of his journey to becoming a professional dancer.
• Factors that make the Limón technique unique.
• How Dante became part of the Limón Dance Company.
• Michelle’s introduction to dancing.
• The realization that Michelle came to after four years of intensive artistic study.
• Why Michelle moved to New York, and the jobs she held subsequently. 
• Dante’s approach to fulfilling his role as Artistic Director of the Limón Dance Company. 
• How Michelle wants to see the non-profit space evolve.

A former Company member for more than a decade, Dante Puleio was appointed Artistic Director in 2020, his work focuses on celebrating José Limón's historical legacy and reimagining his intention and vision to reflect the 21st century contemporary landscape. Michelle Preston, a NYC artist manager and leader with over 15 years experience, began as the Executive Director of the José Limón Dance Foundation in November 2022. 

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More info links from this episode: Dante Puleio and Michelle Preston on Movers & Shapers 

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Stepping Out into the World with Davalois Fearon

Today we bring you a beautiful and inspiring conversation with Davalois Fearon, whose work as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer brings together her family history, early years in Jamaica, and a dedication to moving the art form and community forward.  Expect to come away with some fascinating insight into her process of connecting the different parts of her life and experience into a unified artistic voice.  Make sure to join us for this great episode, with the one and only Davalois Fearon!

“From birth, I was surrounded by movement and music.” – Davalois Fearon, MSP 148

Key Points From This Episode:

• Davalois' early years in Jamaica and initial attraction to dance and performance. 
• Moving to the Bronx and the playground training that started Davalois' learning. 
• Joining the Stephen Petronio Dance Company, touring, parties, and the excitement of the early years. 
• Davalois' internship at Pentacle and the entrepreneurial lessons she learned. 
• The period of research that enabled Davalois to truly realize her artistic identity.  
• Why the grassroots approach that Davalois employed served her so well in the long run.

Davalois Fearon is a critically acclaimed choreographer, dancer, and educator. The recipient of numerous awards and grants, her work has been presented nationally and internationally, including at prestigious New York City venues such as the Joyce Theater. In addition, she has been commissioned by renowned institutions and is visiting lecturer at Princeton University.

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More info links from this episode: Davalois Fearon on Movers & Shapers 

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