Nicole Martinell

Biography

Nicole A. Martinell is a choreographer, teacher, dancer, entrepreneur, and Certified Movement Analyst.  In 2011, Martinell founded Deep Vision Dance Company (DVDC) – a vehicle for her choreographic and entrepreneurial endeavors. Described as “absolutely breathtaking to behold” by DCMetroTheatreArts, Martinell’s choreography has been featured at venues, festivals, and universities throughout the Baltimore/DC area as well as up the east coast.  Ranging from proscenium to site-specific work, her choreography questions the complexity of humankind and is characterized by detailed characters, spiraling phrases, and a continuous ebb and flow of space.  Collaboration with various artists is at the forefront of every multilayered process.  Choreographic honors include a recipient of Maryland’s Baker Artist Awards and selection for the 31stAnnual Choreographers’ Showcase (MD), DC Capital Fringe Festival (DC), Exchange Choreography Festival (OK), Fertile Ground (NY), and New Release Choreographers Showcase (DC). Martinell’s work, Matter, Energy, Human, was nominated for Baltimore’s Best Performance 2017.

Martinell/DVDC projects include Go Deep! residency programs, such as Learning Physics through Movement, professional development workshops for artists, and choreographic mentorship programs for youth.  In 2012, Martinell and Sidney Pink co-founded the AKIMBO Dance & Movement Art Festival in Baltimore’s Station North Arts & Entertainment District.  Running for 5 consecutive years, this site-specific festival features over 100 artists performing original, site-based works.

Growing up in Johnstown, PA, Martinell received her early ballet training at the Johnstown Concert Ballet, Allegheny Ballet Company, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, and The Ailey School (NYC).  Pursuing her passion for dance and injury prevention, Martinell received a BS in Kinesiology and Minor in Dance from Penn State University and a MFA in Dance from Texas Woman’s University.  Her research on biomechanics and ballet pedagogy was published in the Journal of Dance Education, and she has presented at the National Dance Education Organization, the Maryland Dance Education Association, and International Association of Dance Medicine and Science conferences.  She is in the process of becoming a certified educator of the Alexander Technique (2020). 

Since 2008, Martinell has been on faculty at Towson University.  She has also been on faculty at the University of North Texas, Baltimore County Community College, Goucher College, and University of Maryland Baltimore County.   Most importantly, Martinell is a proud mother of 2 children: Avery Catherine and Theodore James.