portfolio
R I C H L U G O
D A N C E A R T I S T
photo by John Suhar
My passion for dance and inspirations for choreography continue to grow.
Throughout my 20 years engaged in the performing arts I have been equal parts director, choreographer, performer, and educator. I wish to continue inspiring individuals and communities in ways that nurture and shape their artistic identity.
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As an ARTISTIC DIRECTOR I produce meaningful dance film projects through collaboration, communication, and attention to detail.
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My experiences as a CHOREOGRAPHER and PERFORMER have helped me develop movement that communicates effectively. I continue to explore dance as a viable storytelling medium.
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As a DANCE EDUCATOR I support my students by providing valuable tools and the space to grow their individual artistic voices.
Thank you for taking the time to engage in my work.
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Richard A. Lugo
DIRECTOR
Shortly after graduating with my B.A. in Dance from Colorado State University, I founded
DANSPIEK, where I continue to serve as the artistic director. Through film, the company explores an accessible, narrative movement style influenced by my training in martial arts, modern, contemporary, and jazz dance styles. In my collaborations with cinematographers, editors, composers, photographers, and more, I have learned what it takes to produce high-quality content across all phases of film production. It has also taught me how to communicate effectively with dance artists and maximize the impact of their performance.
photo by Gregory Addison
dance film trailer
CREATED , CHOREOGRAPHED & DIRECTED BY RICH LUGO
SCORE COMPOSED BY
CRISTHIAN ANDREWS
EDITED BY
AARON DWORETZKY &
DIANA PANFIL
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
LINDA KÄLLÉRUS
This double feature of narrative dance short films explores self-perception and body image as central themes.
dance anthology series trailer
CREATED & DIRECTED BY
RICH LUGO
CHOREOGRAPHY BY
RICH LUGO & SCOTT CURLEY
EDITED BY RICH LUGO
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
GREGORY ADDISON
CREATIVE CONSULTANT
MARVIN AVILA
Inspired by the medieval allegory, "Dance of Death," this narrative dance anthology series explores the dynamic relationships that exist between men.
music video series trailer
DIRECTED BY
RICH LUGO
EDITED BY RICH LUGO
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
GREGORY ADDISON
This ongoing project featuring post-high school youth from The Bronx exploring their voice through dance-- expressions of struggle, fear, and triumph.
CHOREOGRAPHER
Ten years of early training as a martial artist-- along with my involvement in high school musical theatre & dance-- led me to pursue Dance further at Colorado State University. There, I refined my skills as a performer and began to explore my artistic voice as a choreographer. While I took advantage of every opportunity to dance at festivals, on campus, regionally, and on tour, I was pulled by the power and freedom in creating meaningful dances of my own. During my time as an undergrad I created 14 pieces, several of which were juried as main stage concert works and in pre-professional tour repertory. This was the impetus for starting DANSPIEK as well as the work I develop with my students as a public school dance educator.
photo by Gregory Addison
CHOREOGRAPHY REEL
EDITED BY JUSTIN SCHOLAR
CHOREOGRAPHY BY RICH LUGO
Showcasing signature pieces at CSU and work created as the artistic director of DANSPIEK.
'WONDERING'
music video
ORIGINAL SONG BY TIGER DARROW
DIRECTED & EDITED BY
JUSTIN SCHOLAR
CHOREOGRAPHY BY RICH LUGO
Client choreographic work created for an original song by independent music artist Tiger Darrow.
csu dance concert
signature solo
CHOREOGRAPHED & PERFORMED BY RICH LUGO
My first original solo explored how every human being has a side he or she hides from the world.
'A CONCRETE WALL'
music video
ORIGINAL SONG BY BOT GARDEN
DIRECTED & EDITED BY
NATHAN KRAUSS
CHOREOGRAPHY BY RICH LUGO
Client choreographic work created for an original song by independent music artist Bot Garden.
EDUCATOR
photo by Bill Cotton
Along with DANSPIEK, I’ve built a career as a NYC DOE Dance Educator in the Bronx. I serve as a teacher and and as a collaborator with my Creative Arts colleagues, where we have produced numerous musicals and themed showcases on campus. My Dance program is built on a foundation of community with my students and set in a curriculum that nurtures individual artistry. They perform together in pre-professional dance concerts on campus, and have showcased work onstage at the Bronx Borough Arts Festival. We also develop repertory work with guest artist residencies, including RIOULT Dance NY, Limón4Kids, and Paul Taylor American Modern Dance. In many ways this path brings me full circle from my training as both a dancer and martial artist.
performance reel
DIRECTED & EDITED BY RICH LUGO
Features alumni students performing across several thematic dance concerts. Students collaborated to fulfill choreographic tasks & featured solo work.
FHSA VIRTUAL DANCE PIECE (2020)
'streetcar' by daniel caesar
DIRECTED & EDITED BY RICH LUGO
9th-11th grade students collaborated to choreograph, create and film this virtual dance piece in response to remote learning during COVID-19. It explores how dance can move forward in these times.
BRONX BOROUGH ARTS FESTIVAL (2017)
fhsa dance performance
CHOREOGRAPHED & PERFORMED BY WILLIAM CARRASQUILLO,
CELESTE HOLDER, & MADISON RODGERS
This piece was collaboratively created by the students and Mr. Lugo. Based on a theme of "Power" as part of the (IN)EQUALITY Dance Concert that year.