Susanne (Susie) McHugh creates emotionally resonant dance theater that delves into the complexities of mental health and human psychology. Her work is recognized for its layered, nuanced narratives that blend movement, theater, and personal testimony to illuminate what often remains unspoken. Central to her creative process is a deep exploration of gesture, facial expression, and emotional intent—elements that serve not only as tools of choreography but as gateways into psychological and emotional truth.

 

At the core of McHugh’s work is a commitment to vulnerability, particularly in life’s darker, less filtered moments. In a world where people constantly manage how they’re perceived, she seeks to break through the isolation that often results. Her choreography investigates what surfaces when the performance of normalcy is stripped away and replaced by something raw, honest, and real.

 

Drawing from her own lived experience with mental illness and neurodivergence, McHugh’s choreography is deeply personal—yet intentionally crafted to resonate on a universal level. Through her company, Susie McHugh + Dancers, she fosters a creative space grounded in empathy, reflection, and human connection. By opening a window into vulnerability, her work invites audiences to confront their own truths and find recognition and solace in the shared complexity of being human.