I’m Paula Sousa (she/her), a Brazilian-born, Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist working as a choreographer, dancer, filmmaker, and cultural producer. With a foundation in contemporary, improvisational, and ballet techniques, my work explores movement as a means to connect and communicate across diverse experiences. I’m drawn to creating spaces where both artists and audiences can expand their perceptions, and I prioritize collaboration, visual storytelling, and pushing artistic boundaries.
Over the years, I’ve performed and created works with artists and companies across Europe, South America, and the USA, including Hedwig Dances, Balé do Teatro Guaíra, Projeto Movola | Alex Soares, and Arsenale della Danza. Some of my recent works include Vráa for DanceWorks Chicago, Under My Thumbs for Hedwig Dances, and Push for Noumenon Dance. As a migrant artist, I find myself constantly drawing inspiration from my cultural experiences, blending them into my work to examine human connection, emotion, and the subtle nuances of social dynamics.
I approach my choreography with an authentic, responsive voice, engaging both the technical and human aspects of dance. I am currently pursuing my MFA in the Dance Department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I also serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (2025–2028).
For more about my journey and work, please explore my Resume and Portfolio.
