David Popalisky

David Popalisky

dpopalisky@scu.edu

Website: http://www.scu.edu/cas/theatre/faculty/david_popalisky.cfm

   San Jose, CA

David Popalisky teaches dance history, modern dance and choreography. He has a MFA in Choreography from Mills College and an MA in Theatre Arts/Dance Emphasis from San Jose State University. Former artistic director of DaaPo, based in New York City, David has choreographed, performed and taught throughout the United States. He choreographed and performed for the Belize International Dance Festival in 1998 and in 1999 returned to set a work on the Belize Junior National Dance Company.

In the past year he presented Enter Softly, CrossQuickly in San Francisco and San Jose and was commissioned to create Flames of Prayer for the Western Ballet Company. He has performed with Tandy Beal throughout California in Outside Blake’s Window and other productions including a concert with Bobby McFerrin. With the Throne Dance Theatre he toured Korea and Japan and performed in concert with the Dave Brubeck quartet. David has taught dance in Italy and Korea and has worked as a Master Dance teacher for the Bay Area California Arts Project and other summer arts workshops. David is married and has two sons. His relationship with his boys inspired “Dads Don’t Dance,” three summers of workshop for dads exploring issues of fatherhood through dance.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST

What did the Fellowship or Laureate mean to you at the time you received it?

Since I just received the award I am still basking in the glow of recognition for a long career of making dances. The award affirms for me the meaning and value of pursuing art, in my case dance and choreography, for a career. The challenges, adventures, relationships, and questions posed and probed along the way are profound privileges to experience in one's life. To receive public recognition only further validates my choices.

What do you do now? Has your art evolved or changed?

I still choreograph and perform. A big new dance looming in the next year and another older work in consideration for a remounting effort. I am doing several writing projects about performance events. The funds allow me to consider new projects on a grander scope.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?

Perseverance furthers. Just keep making art and inviting everyone into your world, especially non- artists. Demystifying what you do as an artist opens up dialogue about making art, or simply being aesthetically in relationship to life.

Briefly, how would you describe the state of the arts locally, as well as national and beyond?

Challenged, under appreciated and vibrant, exploding.

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