Alum Named New Artistic Director of José Limón Dance Foundation

UArts alumni are constantly advancing creativity in leadership positions across disciplines. Recently, Dante Puleio BFA ’99 (Dance) was appointed artistic director for José Limón Dance Foundation, where he hopes to “[explore] how José Limón’s body of work can speak to the 21st-century audience and artist.” 

Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, the foundation supports two entities: the Limón Dance Company, specializing in modern dance, and the Limón Institute, providing educational and archival resources. Chosen by the company’s Board of Directors and a team of independent artistic advisors, Puleio, a former member of the company for over a decade, will take over as the sixth artistic director of José Limón Dance Foundation on July 1, 2020. 

Puleio spoke to UArts about his vision for José Limón as he prepares to take on the position. He said that he hopes to expand on the foundation’s rich history, “while also examining how traditional forms of presentation, the use of gender roles, costuming, lighting and the inclusion of media can be challenged and reimagined to reflect these rapidly shifting times.” 

His time at UArts, Puleio said, “set [him] up with the means to navigate the New York City landscape.” At UArts, Puleio “danced masterworks, worked with professionals in the industry, and made great professional and personal contacts that I am still in touch and work with today.” 

After graduating with his BFA in Dance, Puleio went on to earn his MFA from the University of California, Irvine. He has trained at the Laban Centre in London and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, England. He is currently a visiting professor of dance at the University of Florida. 

An alum with a rich history as both a performer and an instructor, Puleio also had advice for UArts students. In addition to the “usual advice,” Puleio said he gives all students—such as working hard, going to shows, networking and having an active social media—Puleio stressed the importance of forging one’s own path. 
 
“At the end of the day there are so many different ways to find happiness and so many different definitions of success,” he said. “To find your way in this or in any world, understanding what happiness and success mean to you is paramount.” 

Header photo by Grace Landefeld