SpringboardX Pop-Up Series with Peter Chu

A series of pop-up fundraising workshops in collaboration with Gibney.

chuthis. Ideas

A chuthis. ideas class fuses my acquired research and discoveries with improvisation,  composition of space, partnering exchanges coupled with Qigong & Tai Chi fundamentals.  Implementing these fundamentals helps the artist deeply understand the rapid actions yet  mercurial qualities prominent in my work. There are many forms of qigong practiced  throughout the world and all are based on similar principles: relaxed, rooted posture; straight,  supple spine; and diaphragmatic breathing. Dynamic Qigong uses breathing techniques,  series of postures, and specific movements to harmonize blood flow while enhancing the  connection between the internal organs and external movement.

Being introduced to these ideas will further the dancer’s gentle, tranquil approach to  movement and strengthen the dancers’ emotional control and the ability to be out of control  when required to do so.

The heightened mind/body familiarity, physical sensibility, and liquid-like qualities a chuthis.  ideas class fosters helps influence the body to create silent and seamless-yet powerful movement. Movement without excess effort is the primary focus of this class as it helps to  guide the individual to a more peaceful heart and healthy intention—building awareness and  developing courage through the art of listening.

About Peter Chu

Born in the Bronx, NY, & raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Peter began his training as a competitive gymnast, later nurturing his artistry at Dussich Dance Studio. Upon graduation from The Juilliard School, he performed with BJM Danse, EZdanza, Aszure Barton & Artists, Kidd Pivot, & in Celine Dion’s Vegas spectacular, A New Day. Peter can be seen as the lead in Christina Perri’s Jar of Hearts music video.

In 2008, Peter formed a Las Vegas project based dance company, chuthis., which showcases the work of Chu & his collaborators. chuthis. also provides movement education programs which foster technical & artistic development. Chu has been an honoured recipient of choreographic awards & commissions, including the Hector Zaraspe Prize, A.C.E. Capezio Award, & Hubbard Street Dance International Commission Project. He was also named a Blodgett Distinguished Artist by Harvard University for 2018. Additionally, Chu has served as the Rehearsal Director for Nederlands Dans Theater 2, and as a Guest Rehearsal Director for NDT1.

Chu has created works for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Charlotte Ballet, Staatstheater Augsburg, Germany, Orlando Ballet Theatre, Hubbard Street 2, Giordano Dance Chicago, Charlotte Ballet II, SYTYCD, Houston MET Dance, New Dialect, SALT Contemporary Dance, HSPro, Harvard University, Point Park University, & The Juilliard School, among others.

Last season, Chu premiered works for Giordano Dance Chicago & Gibney Dance Company, and choreographed for Cirque du Soleil’s Vitori in Malta. He is currently commissioned to create for Paul Taylor Dance Company, and is developing a new work with his own company, chuthis.

About SpringboardX Pop-Up Series

Slip into the universes of seven unique artists who are navigating and transforming the fabric of our field. The series of 3-hour pop-up workshops offers an opportunity to broaden your perspective through physical exploration and open dialogue.

Held virtually, each 3-hour pop-up will include a warm-up, repertoire or exploration, and a meet-the-artist talk. Springboard Artistic Director Alexandra Wells and members of the creative core team are excited to observe the workshops.

Explore the list of artists for the Spring Pop-Up Series:
SBX Pop-Up artists: Jermaine Spivey, Peter Chu, Spenser Theberge, Roger Van der Poel, Johannes Wieland, Lea Ved, Dana Pajarillaga.

About Gibney’s Training Program

Through the cultivation of an inclusive and positive space, our offerings make space for exploration, risk-taking, personal and artistic growth, connection, and fun. It is our priority to listen to and support our community and to empower the future leaders of the field. Learn more

Gibney encourages people with disabilities to attend online classes, and we welcome the opportunity to make this event more accessible. Live captioning through Otter Transcription is available for all online classes by request. If you have any questions or access needs, please email us at classes@gibneydance.org or call us at 212-677-8560 (voice only) 24 hours in advance of the class you plan to attend.

Photo by Levi Walker.