Richard Alan Lugo grew up in Westchester, NY, where he began his decade-long training in martial arts at the age of four. He then ventured into high school musical theater and developed a passion for dance, regularly studying jazz, hip-hop and tap. Rich continued his education at Colorado State University, graduating in May 2009 with a BA in Dance. Regularly studying modern, ballet and composition, he also served as an on-scholarship member of the CSU Tour Dance Company under Chung-Fu Chang for two years, performing in productions at CSU, regionally, and at festivals. As a student, Rich also choreographed 15 pieces, three of which were presented on the main stage. He has worked with numerous guest artists including Diavolo Dance Theatre. In 2009, Rich moved back to New York to begin his journey as the founder and artistic director of his dance film company, DANSPIEK, where he has collaborated with numerous artists both onstage and behind the camera. Currently, he is a full-time Dance teacher in the Bronx at Fordham High School for the Arts.