Nell Ritchey
Mover | Creator | Artist
About Me
Nell Ritchey was born and raised in Walworth, Wisconsin where she trained at The Dance Factory. She graduated from Indiana University in 2024 with a BFA in Contemporary Dance as well as a minor in Animal Behavior. In the spring of 2023, she furthered her education by studying abroad in Jerusalem, Israel where she worked with artists such as Noa Zuk, a former Batsheva company member, and Noa Wertheim, the artistic director of Vertigo Dance Company. Nell has also worked with choreographers such as Cameron McKinney, Kameron Saunders, Alysia Johnson, and Braeden Barnes. Over her summers, she attended Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Water Street Dance Festival, and the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch Repertoire Workshop. Along with her training and education, Nell has performed in festivals such as MADCO 2’s Dare To Dance, Trifecta’s A New Light, JELLO, Emergence, and MKE Fringe.
Photography by Lindsay Osten
Photography by Lindsay Osten
Artistic Statement
As an impassioned artist and visionary choreographer, my fascination lies in forging profound connections with the audience through the incorporation of authentic movement. I firmly believe in the transformative power of an individualistic movement vocabulary and voice, a force that resonates powerfully in any setting, whether it be the realm of performance or the nuanced art of teaching a collective of dancers.In my artistic journey, I've come to realize that it's not solely about how the audience perceives the performance; rather, it's the profound significance of how it feels for the mover. Reflecting on my time as both a mover and creator, I draw inspiration from the artful manipulation of music, rhythm, and movement, steering clear of the confines of a predetermined style. My chosen movement style leans towards the organic, accentuating the innate beauty of natural movement and juxtaposing it with the creation of inorganic shapes.This intentional interplay between the natural and the inorganic births an atmosphere that is not only invigorating for the dancers but also captivating for the audience. Witnessing the evolution of my work in tandem with the dancers over time brings me immense joy. As I navigate my artistic trajectory, my passion propels me to continually explore uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of my creativity to test my limits and refine my unique artistic voice. The unfolding chapters of my artistic career are an ever-expanding canvas, awaiting exploration and the creation of new possibilities.
My Works
Was I Ever Truly Here
This piece was inspired by an art piece I came across. It is both an anatomical study of the body and a reflection of disposition. The welded thin rod mimics muscular patterns, creating pockets of tension and energy throughout. The partial form implies the idea of a full body while remaining disconnected by space. The incomplete depiction begs the viewer to question our notions of reality and it’s connection to our perception of existence.
Two People Dancing
My collaborator, Picabo Saunders, and I co-choreographed an exhilarating piece set to Queen's iconic song, 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' This dynamic creation was crafted as a delightful and whimsical addition to our Student Lead Independent Project.