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Susanne McHugh’s choreography delves into the emotional landscapes of individuals living with mental health challenges. Her work focuses on storytelling through the study of gesture, facial expression and emotional motivation—elements that are central to her creative process and rehearsal discussions. At the heart of her choreography lies a profound sense of vulnerability and transparency, particularly in life's darker moments. In a society that allows individuals to curate how they are perceived, McHugh's work seeks to counter the isolation that often results, revealing the raw beauty and haunting truths that emerge when we confront our most private selves.

 

Drawing from her lived experience with Bipolar II Disorder, OCD, and anxiety, McHugh’s creations are deeply personal and serve as a means of understanding both herself and the world around her. This authenticity extends to her professional role as a Helpline Associate for NAMI NYC, where she provides support to New Yorkers with mental health conditions and their families. Her years of experience in this role have illuminated the universal nature of emotional struggles and the silence that often surrounds them.

 

Through her company, Susie McHugh + Dancers, she aims to foster empathy, self-reflection, connection, and acceptance. By peeling back the curtain on human vulnerability, McHugh’s work creates space for audiences to confront their own truths and find solace in shared experiences.