Nicole A. Martinell, MFA, CMA is a choreographer, dance and somatic educator, and performer, thriving in Baltimore since 2008. Her passion for teaching is coupled with her love for learning. Curiosity and laughter open the door for self-discovery and growth.
Martinell is the Founder/Artistic Director of Deep Vision Dance Company – a vehicle for her choreographic and outreach endeavors. Described as “absolutely breathtaking to behold” (DC Metro Theatre Arts), Martinell’s choreography reveals the complexity of humankind and uncovers the strange beauty of the world around us. Ranging from grand site works to intimate performance spaces, her choreography features collaborations with movers, visual and literary artists, musicians, scientists, historical buildings, and 10ft sculptures. Choreographic honors include a recipient of Maryland’s Baker Artist Awards; selection for the Annual Choreographers’ Showcase (MD), DC Capital Fringe Festival (DC), Exchange Choreography Festival (OK), Intersections Festival (DC), New Release Choreographers Showcase (DC), American College Dance Association Galas (VA, MD), Artscape (MD), and ECOPOETIC (NY); and multi-city tours of numerous works.
Martinell’s notable community projects include “Learning Physics through Movement,” a K-12 arts integration program; By/4 Artist professional development series; Community Improvisation Jams; and youth Choreographic Mentorship. Martinell and Sidney Pink co-founded the AKIMBO Dance & Movement Art Festival in Baltimore’s Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Running for 5 years, this site-specific festival featured over 100 artists performing site-based works at galleries, restaurants, bridges, and grassy knolls. Deep Vision has received 22 grants since its inception in 2011.
Following her early training at Johnstown Concert Ballet, Allegheny Ballet Company, and the Fordham/Ailey Program, Martinell pursed her passion for dance science and somatics. She received a BS in Kinesiology and minor in Dance from Pennsylvania State University and an MFA in Dance from Texas Woman’s University. She earned her Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis certification from the Laban Institute of Movement Studies, and she became an AmSAT-Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique through the AT MidAtlanic Training Program.
Martinell’s research on biomechanics and ballet pedagogy has been published in the Journal of Dance Education and her dance science and somatics research has been presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (Australia), the National Dance Education Organization (NY, TX), Somatic Dance (NY), Maryland Dance Education Association, and Laban International (NY) conferences.
She has facilitated professional development workshops for the Maryland State Department of Education, Baltimore Museum of Art, Anne Arundel and Baltimore County Public Schools; participated in panel discussions for Center Stage and Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance; and enjoyed being featured on smARTS, The Baltimore County Arts Show. She has taught dance, somatics, and composition workshops throughout the Maryland area and has danced professionally with The Moving Company, ClancyWorks, and DanceRink. In 2020, Martinell was honored to receive the Dance Educator of the Year, Teaching Artist, award from the Maryland Dance Education Association.
Martinell has been teaching at the collegial level for over 15 years. She is an Adjunct III faculty member at Towson University, facilitating dance technique, somatics, pedagogy, and composition courses. She has been on faculty at the University of North Texas, Community College of Baltimore County, Goucher College, and University of Maryland Baltimore County. Most importantly, she treasures the blessing of her 3 children.