Soleless
Choreography: Peter Chu / chuthis.
Performers: Madison Pineda Bender, Eleanor Simmons
Musician: Djeff Houle
Peter Chu
Peter Chu (he/him) is a movement artist whose work reflects a deep commitment to creativity and compassion. Born in the Bronx and raised in Florida, his interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine enriches his understanding of identity and artistry. A Juilliard graduate and recipient of the Hector Zaraspe Prize for Choreography, Chu has performed with Kidd Pivot, Ballet Jazz de Montréal, and Céline Dion’s A New Day. In 2008, he founded chuthis., a project-based dance company, and continues to mentor and create globally, blending diverse experiences into a holistic approach to dance and human connection.
Madison Pineda-Bender
Madison Pineda Bender is a professional dancer, creator, and educator based in St. Petersburg, FL. She trained in NYC at The Joffrey Ballet School’s J&C Program and graduated from The Juilliard School in 2021 with a B.F.A. in Dance, receiving the Martha Hill Award and the Juilliard Career Advancement Fellowship Grant. She received additional training at Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Dance Festival, the Nederlands Dans Theater Summer Intensive, and Springboard Danse. From 2022–2023, Madison worked as a company dancer and teaching artist with GroundWorks DanceTheater. In 2024, she joined Peter Chu’s company, chuthis., performing internationally, including at Orsolina28. Madison was commissioned by The Florida Orchestra to choreograph and perform for their 2025 Soundwaves Chamber Series and Youth Concerts. She premiered her work at the BEACON Dance Festival in 2025 and a new trio as a 2025 Momentum Artist at the Dalí Museum with support from the St. Petersburg Individual Artist Grant.
Eleanor Simmons
Eleanor Simmons is a multi-disciplinary artist based in New York City. She graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance from UC Irvine where she was recognized as a Donald McKayle Scholar. Upon graduation, Eleanor completed the GibneyPRO Certificate Program under the direction of Alexandra Wells, where she performed works by Peter Chu, Ana Maria Lucaciu, Laja Field, Adam Barruch, Lea Ved, and Sidra Bell. Eleanor’s dancing has taken her across the globe, where she has participated in programs such as Springboard Danse Montréal and Nederlands Dans Theater. She has had the pleasure of working and performing as an Artistic Apprentice with Gibney Company, and is currently a collaborator with chuthis., directed by Peter Chu. Eleanor utilizes art to empower and connect to people of all backgrounds through the authenticity of her creations and collaborations, and is excited to further investigate the role of artmaking of various mediums.
