About Us
who we are
PearlArts Movement & Sound harnesses the power of contemporary dance, immersive sound, and creative self-expression to engage audiences in genre-bending experiences that generate joy, creativity, and collective belonging.
Under the visionary leadership of choreographer Staycee Pearl and sound designer Herman “Soy Sos” Pearl, our work probes themes of personal expression, race, freedom, and gender to immerse audiences in unforgettable experiences. While PearlArts creates space for everyone, we uplift Black femme artists in particular through our work, ensuring that these artists have the space and community they need to flourish.
We are rooted in Pittsburgh and travel globally. Our Braddock studio pulsates with activity, hosting experimental performances, interactive workshops, empowering residencies, and more. Our renowned dance company tours the country, captivating audiences of all backgrounds in unexpected venues, from experimental theaters and university halls to outdoor grottos and museum galleries.
our work
Driven by the artistic vision of choreographer Staycee Pearl and sound designer Herman “Soy Sos” Pearl, we compose new, original experiences that defy labels. Through our soulful performances, stimulating workshops, and evolutionary residencies, we widen the field of artistic possibility.
Our multidisciplinary work draws on the vibrant stories and history of Black culture, from science fiction writer Octavia Butler to early reggae music. Each performance and program embodies the deep artistic collaboration of Staycee and Herman, who have been creating together for over twenty years.
PearlArts programs integrate contemporary dance and immersive soundscapes to explore themes of personal expression, race, freedom, gender, and more. These works transcend individual experiences and invite every participant to recognize their inner artist.
Genre-Defying Performances
Our productions entwine elements of movement and sound that break the rules of traditional dance and music. These performances—often works in progress that we share publicly as we iterate—are not simply choreography set to a soundtrack. We collaborate throughout the entire creative process, drawing inspiration from a wide range of disciplines to craft unique new experiences.
Touring
Led by choreographer Staycee Pearl and sound designer/musician Herman Pearl, our dance company performs everywhere, from traditional theaters to avant-garde art spaces to outdoor venues. We immerse audiences of all backgrounds in innovative, original works, amplifying our impact beyond Pittsburgh and creating opportunities for artistic exchange.
Programs & Classes
We invite artists of all ages and backgrounds to share their creativity through programs, workshops, and classes in our Braddock studio and through the community. These programs range from sound design and media arts to adult ballet and inclusive movement classes. While each program is unique, they are all driven by the same commitment to empower creativity, collective expression, and artistic curiosity.
Mentorship
We raise up the next generation of experimenters and genre-benders, creating a space for learning and evolution for upcoming artists. With a particular focus on uplifting Black femme artists, we host residencies and incubate experimental performers, offering our technical expertise and studio space for emerging artists to grow. These experiences offer new pathways for underrepresented artists to establish themselves in Pittsburgh and beyond. Programs include charette—our incubator showcase—the PearlDiving Movement Residency, our Tuff Sound Apprenticeship Program, and PearlWatch, a movement-and-sound-themed film screening series.
our founders
Staycee Pearl, Co-Founder/ Co-Artistic Director
Choreographer and artistic director Staycee Pearl produces genre-bending experiences that draw together contemporary dance, immersive soundscapes, and visual artistry. The 2021 winner of The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Carol R. Brown Creative Achievement Award for Established Artist, Staycee continues to generate unexpected works that explore themes of personal expression, race, freedom, and gender.
Herman Pearl, Co-Founder/ Co-Artistic Director
With over 40 years of experience in music and sound, Sound designer/engineer Herman “Soy Sos” Pearl is an inventive and detailed producer known for his genre-bending collaborations. Herman views sound as a physical force, as tangible as a dancer’s gesture on stage. Through his carefully crafted soundscapes, Herman develops the sonic environment within which Staycee’s choreography takes form.
our history
PearlArts was founded in 2010 by choreographer Staycee Pearl and sound engineer Herman “Soy Sos” Pearl to advance their artistic collaboration. Over the past 14 years, PearlArts has maintained a consistently innovative presence in Pittsburgh and on national stages through its unique sound and dance-centered productions.
In 2024, PearlArts opened its studio in the Braddock borough of Pittsburgh. From 2020–24, PearlArts was housed at Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) through its Mutual Aid Residency, hosting performances and workshops in KST’s East Liberty venues.
Spdp&SS
STAYCEE PEARL dance project & Soy Sos (SPdp&SS) began as an informal incubator for movement exploration in the Fall of 2009 and made its debut at Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST). Led by choreographer Staycee Pearl and sound designer Herman “Soy Sos” Pearl, SPdp&SS honed the pair’s artistic voice through their unique combination of contemporary dance and immersive soundscapes. Following its fruitful Mutual Aid Residency at KST, SPdp&SS established its own facility in Braddock, PA, and officially rebranded as PearlArts Movement & Sound in 2024.
Tuff Sound Recording
Founded by sound engineer Herman “Soy Sos” Pearl in the 1990s, Tuff Sound Recording specialized in hybrid electronic and analog recording, mixing, and sound design for a variety of artistic clients and collaborators both locally and internationally. Tuff Sound was archived in 2024 under the new PearlArts Movement & Sound brand, where its legacy continues through the Tuff Sound Apprenticeship program and its founder's leadership of sound composition and engineering at PearlArts.
our space
Opened in 2024, PearlArts’ new home in Braddock, Pennsylvania, represents a milestone for the interdisciplinary performing arts organization. The new facility will serve as a vibrant center for movement and sound, with versatile studio space, two fully equipped recording studios, flexible workspace, and an inviting community lounge.
The space was specifically designed for PearlArts’ unique artistic approach, which pairs contemporary dance with immersive soundscapes. Nearly four years in the making, the studio occupies the entire 5000+ sq. ft. third floor of the newly renovated historic Carnegie Cooperative Building, now the Braddock Arts and Media Building. This space establishes a solid home base for all PearlArts programming, from rehearsals and apprenticeship programs to workshops and artist residencies.
