Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Perry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nicole, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have a lot of education and training as a movement professional.
I have an undergraduate degree in Dance, as well as an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts, with my work being in theatre and dance.
I have a bunch of advanced certifications- Pilates, Laban/Movement Analysis, Intimacy Direction, and Intimacy Coordination.

If I could go back, I would have tried to take move theatrical movement classes in undergrad or at an earlier point in time. These would have aided my transition of skills between dance and theatre.

The most essential skills I have learned are:
1. Story-telling through movement
2. Clear and compassionate communication

My obstacles to learning more are pretty common to those others have, I think: time and money. I love learning and expanding my knowledge and skills. But that does take an investment of both time and money to do.

Nicole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a choreographer, in both dance and intimacy.

I’ve created 3 site-inspired dance productions in Broward County, funded by the Broward County Cultural Division. I am currently working on a project, through Momentum Stage, funded by the Doris Duke Foundation, to protect choreographer’s intellectual property from AI.

I also create movement for intimate moments in TV, film, theatre, dance, and opera. You may have seen my work on Netflix, Hulu, Telemundo, Showtime, or on a stage in South Florida.

I actually got into intimacy choreography because of my time and skills in dance choreography. It seemed like a natural use of the training and experience. And the intimacy field is so important! Performers should be able to consent to everything that is happening with and to their bodies as part of their work, but that has often not been the case. Being an intimacy professional brings transparency and professionalism to scenes of intimacy or nudity, as well as movement that supports the story.

I focus on movement as story-telling, as well as collaborative creative processes. I love working with other artists and performers to create work we are proud of and excited to share with an audience.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Fund the arts!

In Florida, state arts funding has been totally cut. So, your support of your local theatre, dance, and/or opera companies really makes a difference.
And yes, money is part of that, so you can donate. But you can also attend performances and tell your friends about them. You can share your experiences on social media. The arts are a big part of the economy- when people go to arts events they also go out to dinner, hire baby-sitters, take a ride share. Not to mention the artists who are supported- the people on stage, the crew, the designers.
Your involvement makes a difference to the sustainability of the arts as a career and also as a source of enjoyment for everyone!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I think everyone who leads people should learn nonviolent communication. There are books and courses! But learning to speak to people from a place of connection and compassion, even during hard conversations or conflict, is so, so important!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicoleperry.org
• Instagram: @intimacychoreofl

Image Credits

Featured image: Nicole Perry coaches dancers (L to R) Abbie Fricke, Mélanie Martel, Kalin Basford, and Sarah Romeo in “Prove It” for Momentum Stage, funded by the Doris Duke Foundation. Photo by Morgan Sophia Photography.

Others;
Nicole Perry coaches actors (L to R) Clay Cartland and Matthew Buffalo in an intimate moment in Island City Stage’s production of “Which Way to the Stage”. Directed by Michael Leeds. Photo by Matthew Tippins.
Kalin Basford in “Home” for Momentum Stage, choreographed by Nicole Perry and funded by the Doris Duke Foundation. Photo by Morgan Sophia Photography.
Abbie Fricke and Nathaniel Heustis share an intimate moment, created by Nicole Perry, in “Lovesong” at Thinking Cap Theatre. Directed by Nicole Stodard, PhD. Photo by Tabatha Mudra.
Alex Alvarez and Kim Vilbrun Francois in a vulnerable moment created by Nicole Perry in “Summer Shorts: Flipping the Script” at City Theatre. Directed by Karina Batchelor-Gomez. Photo by Morgan Sophia Photography.