ABOUT

Joe Tuliao (him/them) is a Filipino-Canadian choreographer and director whose bold, story-driven choreography has captivated audiences across film, television, theatre, and live performance. A Leo Award-winning artist, Joe brings an innovative approach to movement that elevates both narrative and spectacle.
 
His work has earned critical acclaim, including a Leo nomination for Best Choreography for a TV Movie for Joy Ride, a Lionsgate feature film directed by Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians) and produced by Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures. In this film, Joe crafted a vibrant, multi-layered fantasy K-pop sequence that featured Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola, and Sabrina Wu. The iconic scene showcased his ability to design intricate, high-energy choreography that resonates emotionally while pushing creative boundaries.
 
With credits spanning globally recognized productions, Joe was a key part of the choreography teams for RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race and the Emmy-nominated The J Team. He has also worked with Disney, contributing choreography for Mech-X4 and appearing on-screen in Descendants 2 & 3, where he worked under the direction of the legendary Kenny Ortega as part of his creative process. These experiences have honed Joe’s expertise in developing choreography that seamlessly integrates with music, character, and story.
 
In addition to screen work, Joe is the creative force behind Awaken and ICON, original live performances produced by his dance company, Illustrative Society. These shows focus on youth-driven projects, where Joe mentors and collaborates with emerging artists to explore their creative potential and develop their unique voices in the dance world. Through these initiatives, he empowers young artists to push boundaries in movement, storytelling, and artistic expression. His dedication to nurturing new talent has made him a key figure in the Canadian dance community. Joe’s experience in musicals and musical theatre further complements his choreographic vision, as he continues to craft dynamic, story-driven pieces that connect deeply with audiences.
 
Joe has choreographed and directed original short film musicals, including Uprooted and The Grinder, both of which he created. Uprooted explores the challenges and family dynamics of Filipino immigrants adapting to a new country, and was officially selected for the Vancouver Asian Film Festival’s MAMM, premiering at the Philadelphia American Asian Film Festival.
 
A proud advocate for diversity and representation, Joe draws from his Filipino heritage and broader Asian culture to craft authentic stories that celebrate identity and community. His expertise spans street dance styles, including popping, locking, and hip-hop, fused with commercial contemporary, musical theatre, and cultural influences. His fun, energetic, and collaborative approach to choreography makes his work stand out, and his ability to innovate and blend these dynamic styles gives him a unique edge, creating memorable, impactful choreography that resonates with diverse audiences.
 
Whether crafting large-scale ensemble pieces or intimate character-driven moments, Joe consistently delivers choreography that captivates and inspires, making him a sought-after creative force in the industry.