Nick M. Daniels is a celebrated Pittsburgh-based choreographer, multimedia artist, and the founding Artistic Director of The D.A.N.A. Movement Ensemble (Dancers Against Normal Actions), a company he launched in 1991 to confront and challenge societal norms through movement. A graduate of Slippery Rock University with a BFA in Dance, Daniels has been celebrated as a Pittsburgh Cultural Treasure and recognized as a pioneer in exploring themes of race, sexuality, and identity in performance.
After a 20-year hiatus, Daniels reemerged in 2016 with a renewed artistic vision grounded in authenticity, innovation, and bold social commentary. Drawing from a dynamic blend of African, modern, and contemporary dance—infused with Butoh influences and raw emotionality—his choreographic language is uniquely his own. His work is a powerful fusion of dance, electronic soundscapes, video projection, and theater, creating immersive experiences that spark dialogue and reflection.
His creative practice has been supported by numerous awards and residencies, including a Pittsburgh Cultural Treasures grant, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s FRESHWORKS Residency, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ Preserving Diverse Cultures grant, and the Young-Howse Theater Award for Movement Artist of the Year. Daniels’ work has been commissioned and performed across the United States and internationally, and 2025 brings new opportunities to share his vision throughout Europe, Central and South America, and beyond.
Nick will be performing Opus 728 at Small Plates Duck, OBX 2025
DANA Movement Ensemble performed “Blame Game” at Small Plates Austin 2024.
Nick was an adjudicator for Small Plates Newburgh 2024.
Website: DANA Movement Ensemble
Facebook: @DanaMovementEnsemble
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