Moving Moments: Dante Pelejo's Journey in Modern Dance

Hosted by Alicia Graf Mack | Released on February 5, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Moving Moments, Artful Narratives Media’s Alicia Graf Mack engages in an enlightening conversation with Dante Pelejo, the Artistic Director of the Limon Dance Company. Dante shares his unconventional path in the modern dance world, offering deep insights into his creative process, personal growth, and visionary leadership. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key moments, profound quotes, and Dante’s inspiring journey.

Early Inspirations and Love for Dance

Dante’s passion for dance ignited at an early age, not through formal training but through pure enthusiasm. Reflecting on his childhood, he recalls:

“I would choreograph an entire hour-long ballet to Donna Summer and Michael Jackson albums” (02:31).

Despite lacking awareness of dance as a viable career, Dante’s innate love for movement set the foundation for his future endeavors.

Formal Training and Discovering the Limon Technique

Dante’s formal dance education began at Wilkes University, initially pursuing psychology with a minor in theater. A pivotal moment occurred when a teacher recognized his potential in dance, prompting him to shift his academic focus:

“I think what you’re doing is amazing,” Dante’s voice is filled with gratitude as he recounts his parents’ support (04:32).

He further honed his skills at the Laban Center in London and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, England. Dante describes his rigorous training as “Olympic style” and emphasizes how it transformed his understanding of movement:

“That was when I was like, oh, this feels right. Like all of a sudden I'm no longer just doing steps, but I'm telling a story through movement” (05:28).

Personal Identity and Liberation through Dance

A significant turning point in Dante’s life was his journey of self-discovery and liberation during his studies in London. He shares a profound moment of feeling truly embodied and connected:

“Once I felt that sort of ownership over myself, that agency, I feel like the dancing started to shift” (06:53).

This personal liberation intertwined seamlessly with his artistic expression, deepening his connection to dance.

Joining the Limon Dance Company

Dante’s association with the Limon Dance Company began serendipitously. After auditioning and performing a solo piece, he was unexpectedly offered a position:

“I worked with her for about 20 minutes on the Misa Breva solo. And literally after 20 minutes, she offered me the job” (13:24).

Joining Limon was a transformative experience, allowing Dante to work alongside legendary figures in modern dance, which he approached with a humble, student’s mindset:

“I knew that I was there just to absorb as much as possible and be as good at what was being asked of me as possible” (14:07).

Transition to Education and Teaching

After two decades with Limon, Dante ventured into academia, embracing his passion for mentoring and advocacy. His tenure as a professor at Troy University and University of Florida was driven by a desire to inspire the next generation of dancers:

“I knew that I could help create dance advocates for the world” (21:20).

Dante leveraged his extensive experience to engage students, making modern dance accessible and inspiring.

Becoming Artistic Director of Limon Dance Company

Dante’s return to Limon as Artistic Director was both a professional and personal milestone. His research into contextualizing mid-century modern dance for contemporary audiences played a crucial role in his appointment. Reflecting on his transition, he shares:

“Everything that happened after March, going into May and June...completely reshaped why we were doing what we were doing” (26:08).

Under his leadership, Dante has focused on revitalizing the company’s legacy while embracing innovation and inclusivity.

Challenges and Vision during COVID-19 and Social Changes

Assuming leadership during a tumultuous period, Dante navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and significant social movements. These challenges prompted him to reassess the company’s mission and approach:

“We got to really look at who we were, why we were doing what we were doing, and what it meant to be doing it in this world” (26:08).

Dante emphasizes the importance of responsible leadership, addressing unconscious biases, and fostering a supportive community within the company.

Daily Responsibilities and Balancing Leadership

As Artistic Director, Dante balances administrative duties with artistic pursuits. He discusses his approach to managing time and responsibilities:

“I love helicoptering in and out of, like, the granular, the micro to the macro” (29:07).

Dante’s passion for networking, attending performances, and building relationships underscores his commitment to the company’s growth and sustainability.

Legacy and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Dante envisions a tangible legacy for the Limon Dance Company. His primary goal is to secure a permanent home for the company, enabling greater community engagement and educational opportunities:

“My mission is to make sure that when I'm done here that we have a place to call our own” (32:54).

He advocates for creating accessible spaces for dancers and enthusiasts alike, fostering a vibrant dance community.

Conclusion

Dante Pelejo’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and visionary leadership in the modern dance world. Through his candid reflections, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of dance, the importance of personal growth, and the impact of dedicated leadership. This episode of Moving Moments not only chronicles Dante’s remarkable career but also inspires aspiring dancers and leaders to pursue their passions with authenticity and purpose.

Notable Quotes:

• Dante Pelejo: “I just thought everyone felt like this when they heard music. I guess not.” (00:51)
• Dante Pelejo: “That feeling when you're in a sweaty studio and everyone is focusing on this same idea...nothing feels as good as that.” (05:40)
• Dante Pelejo: “I'm telling a story through movement.” (05:28)
• Dante Pelejo: “An artist needs a canvas to paint. Dancers need a studio to create.” (32:54)

Timecodes

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• 02:31 – Early choreography and love for dance.
• 04:32 – Parental support and decision to pursue dance.
• 05:28 – Discovering storytelling through movement via Limon Technique.
• 05:40 – The transcendent feeling of dancing in a focused environment.
• 06:53 – Connection between personal liberation and dance.
• 13:24 – Audition experience and joining Limon Dance Company.
• 14:07 – Approaching Limon as a devoted student.
• 21:20 – Transitioning to education and dance advocacy.
• 26:08 – Navigating leadership during COVID-19 and social upheaval.
• 29:07 – Balancing administrative and artistic responsibilities.
• 32:54 – Vision for Limon’s future and securing a permanent home.

Tune in to Moving Moments for more inspiring conversations with the dance world’s most remarkable artists. Follow us on Instagram @MovingMomentsPodcast and visit ArtfulNarrativesMedia.com for more information.