Nicholas Zupanic is a Canadian-Croatian contemporary dance artist and performer based in Toronto, Ontario. Born and raised in Oshawa, Ontario, Nicholas started dancing at the age of two. Nicholas is currently studying Dance Performance and Choreography at York University's Dance Program and is also part of the York Dance Ensemble, as a company member. Outside of University, Nicholas is also currently part of a Toronto-based Contemporary Dance company called The Blue Institute. Nicholas has also trained at the Durham School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in Whitby, Ontario, where he studied and trained in ballet and contemporary dance forms. Nicholas has also previously trained at Canada's National Ballet School for two years where he studied ballet. Nicholas has performed in the Nutcracker during his time at Canada's National Ballet school for two years alongside their company members. Nicholas has won Choreography awards, solo and group awards and has won international and local scholarships. Nicholas was part of The National Ballet of Canada's Open Residency Program with the Blue Institute Dance Company where he performed at the Fleck Dance Theatre and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto. Most recently, Nicholas collaborated with Experimental Film Artist, Cole James on his Master's project named "SHARE THE ROAD", which explores the negative implications of the ongoing debate regarding the removal of bike lanes in Toronto.


Nicholas' passion for self expression and experimentation reinforces his dance values, core dance values of discipline, dedication, commitment, creativity, innovation and collaboration while expressing his unique movement qualities. Nicholas' artistic and research interests focus on creating abstract works that are inspired by pedestrian gestures, experimental dance forms, improvisation and the influence of imagery and environments, both natural and constructed.