Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

"Movers and Shapers: A Dance Podcast" brings to you personal stories, experiences, and ideas from the people who "shape" the dance field. Hosted by Erin Carlisle Norton, Artistic Director of the NJ/NYC-based all-female dance company The Moving Architects. New episodes available every other Monday.

MSP 186: Erin Carlisle Norton 04/14/2025

MSP 186: Erin Carlisle Norton Lessons from 10 Years of Dance Conversations with Erin Carlisle Norton What does it take to lead a forward-thinking, boundary-pushing dance company in today’s ever-changing artistic landscape? After a decade of hosting Movers & Shapers and nearly 200 interviews, Erin Carlisle Norton, Artistic Director of The Moving Architects (TMA), steps into the guest seat for a special 10th-anniversary episode. In conversation with Megan Mizanty, Lead Editor of thINKingDANCE, Erin reflects on the podcast’s evolution, the inspiration behind it, and the guests and stories that have profoundly shaped her perspective. They explore the intersection of dance and community engagement, the role of adaptability and resilience in the arts, and how collaboration fuels creative growth. Erin also shares her dream interview guest, the unexpected insights and connections that have emerged from the podcast, and how these conversations have deepened her understanding of what it means to build a meaningful life in dance. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry, strategy, and vision that drive Movers & Shapers (and TMA) forward! Key Points From This Episode: · An introduction to Erin and the story behind Movers & Shapers. · Insight into how the podcast has evolved over the past decade. · Memorable moments and some of Erin’s favorite guest interviews. · The biggest lessons Erin has learned from nearly 200 interviews. · Ways that the podcast has influenced Erin’s work and artistic vision · The importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience in the arts. · Exploring the intersection of dance, community engagement, and storytelling. · Reflections on recurring themes, shifting dance landscapes, and industry trends. · Unexpected connections and insights that have emerged from hosting the podcast. · Podcast hosts who have influenced Erin’s approach to storytelling. · The modern dance icon Erin dreams of interviewing and why. · What it means to build a rich life in dance and Erin’s advice for emerging artists. “Remembering that we’re part of something bigger that has been going on for generations is very grounding and reassuring. No matter what the art form is, there’s something about the legacy – that you can feel like you’re a part of.” — Erin Carlisle Norton Erin Carlisle Norton is the Artistic Director of The Moving Architects and host of Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast. Check out our podcast episode partner ! Learn more about this episode: Follow us for the latest on and ! /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/36112490

MSP 185: Morgiana Celeste Varricchio & Samara Adell 03/31/2025

MSP 185: Morgiana Celeste Varricchio & Samara Adell Building the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company with Morgiana Celeste Varricchio & Samara Adell Every dance company has its own unique journey and characteristics, from how it was founded to the style of dance it specializes in. Today, we’re joined by the Producing Artistic Director and Founder of the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company (MDTC), Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, and the Artistic Director for Dance and Choreographer, Samara Adell. MDTC showcases the vibrant dance and folkloric heritage of the Mediterranean, spanning North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. Through captivating performances and educational initiatives, MDTC brings to life the region’s music, myths, and traditions, preserving and sharing its cultural tapestry. In this conversation, Morgiana and Samara share how they discovered their affinity for Middle Eastern dance, why they felt it wasn’t adequately represented in the US, and how they formed the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company. We discuss the many shows they’ve produced, including their special upcoming 20th-anniversary show, Visions of the Near East, how they manage their creative partnership, and the challenges of running a nonprofit. Tune in to hear the full scope of Morgiana and Samara’s beautiful journey, from becoming friends to running a thriving company together! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to Morgiana Celeste Varricchio and her dance journey. How she became involved with Middle Eastern dance and met Samara Adell. The success of Morgiana’s production of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. How Morgiana and Samara founded the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company in 2005. Their mission to ensure Middle Eastern Dance was properly represented in the US. An overview of their productions, including their original show, Caravan to Cairo. Their upcoming production, Visions of the Near East Some background on Samara and how she became interested in dance. Her time working in New York and the extensive global touring she did as a dancer. The inner workings of Samara and Morgiana’s creative partnership. How they prepare for, plan, rehearse, and arrange all the different elements of their shows. Standout experiences during their two decades with Mosaic. “We both agreed that Middle Eastern Dance was not represented properly in the professional world of dance. It is a very legitimate dance form, but not looked upon that [way] here in the US. It was our mission, then, to bring this dance to the public.” — Morgiana Celeste Varricchio Morgiana Celeste Varricchio is the Producing Artistic Director and Founder of . Samara Adell is Artistic Director for Dance & Choreographer of . For more on this episode, Morgiana, and Samara: For the latest, follow us on & Support this podcast with a tax-deductible donation! /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/35964545

MSP 184: Twin Cities 03/17/2025

MSP 184: Twin Cities Twin Cities with Joanna Lees, Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, Erinn Liebhard Nestled along the Mississippi River, Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer a unique mix of natural beauty and culture. Winters are harsh, but skyways provide warmth, and frozen lakes set the scene. When summer arrives, the cities buzz with life, from thriving arts and food scenes to passionate sports fans. Each season brings a fresh energy to this dynamic and welcoming community. Today, we’re joined by three dance artists who call the Twin Cities home—Joanna Lees, Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, and Erinn Liebhard. Together, we dive into the Twin Cities dance and arts scene, exploring how they found their way there, their roles in the dance world, and how the region’s geography (and harsh winters) shape the artistic landscape. They share insights on leading dance companies, navigating the audition scene, and the importance of carving out a niche. We also discuss the concept of “all-encompassing physicality,” available resources for artists, and the gaps they hope to see filled in the local dance community. Tune in for a rich conversation on what makes the Twin Cities such a unique and inspiring place for dance! Key Points From This Episode: · Listeners are introduced to our three amazing guests: Joanna Lees, Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, and Erinn Liebhard. · Their roles in the dance world and what brought them (or kept them) in the Twin Cities. · What ‘Twin Cities’ means and how the geography influences the dance scene. · How the winter (with its snow and ice) impacts their art and dance-making. · They highlight their experiences leading dance companies in the Twin Cities. · We discuss the ins and outs of the audition scene in the Twin Cities. · Joanna expands on the concept of “all-encompassing physicality.” · Jesse touches on the necessity of moving towards a “niche” in the Twin Cities dance scene. · The vibe of the dance community and different dance hubs in the area. · They expand on the different resources available in the Twin Cities. · The gaps (or downsides): changes and developments they’d love to see. · Each guest expands on what makes their dance life in the Twin Cities special to them. Joanna Lees (MFA '20) has been a performer, choreographer, producer, and educator in the Twin Cities since 2008 and is the Co-Founder of the Minneapolis dance company Alternative Motion Project. Erinn Liebhard is a Twin Cities-based dance educator and the Artistic and Executive Director of Rhythmically Speaking, a Twin Cities-based dance company sparking vibrancy and connectedness through jazz and American social dance ideas. Jesse Schmitz-Boyd is a Twin Cities-based choreographer, dance artist, and educator, known for his playful, off-kilter movement and thought-provoking work, and the founder of Rogue & Rabble Dance, with extensive collaborations across the local dance scene. For more on this episode and the Twin Cities artists: For the latest, follow on and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/35738805

MSP 183: Heidi Henderson 01/20/2025

MSP 183: Heidi Henderson Something About the Way She Moves with Heidi Henderson Vibrant, humble, and down-to-earth, Heidi Henderson is a Professor at Connecticut College and also the artistic director of elephant JANE dance, where she brings her unique vision and creativity to the stage. From Maine, to New York City, to Rhode Island, Heidi is a four-time recipient of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Choreography Fellowship. Her work has been performed internationally in London and Korea, as well as at renowned venues like Jacob’s Pillow, The Flynn Space, and the Bates Dance Festival. She has danced with acclaimed companies and artists, including Bebe Miller, Nina Weiner, Paula Josa-Jones, Colleen Thomas, Peter Schmitz, and Sondra Loring, was a contributing editor at Contact Quarterly, a vehicle for moving ideas. Join the conversation to hear what inspired her dance journey, what her experience was like in New York, what it was like to figure out the intricate logistics of performing in a roller-skating rink, and what inspired the name of her company. We highlight some of the challenges, benefits, and peaks of her journey, what’s next for her, and much more! Don’t miss out, tune in now. Key Points From This Episode: · Heidi shares her dance journey throughout the years. · What ultimately sucked her into the world of dance. · She details her experience getting her M.F.A. at Smith and her plan after graduate school. · Heidi talks about her experience in New York with Bebe Miller, Nina Weiner, and more. · What Heidi did as a “job” during her time in New York (and how those skills are still in use!) · The logistics behind her recent show, Untitled Sad Piece, performed in a roller-skating rink. · Heidi’s journey as she started making her own work. · The story behind the name of her company, elephant JANE dance. · How her teaching career came together and evolved over the years. · She breaks down some of the challenges she’s faced over the span of her dance journey. · We discuss some of the benefits of starting a dance career later on. · Looking back, we highlight some of the peaks of her dance career. · What’s next for Heidi. · How Heidi finds artists to work with. “I’ve never been a repertory dancer. There is something about the way I move that is the way I move.” — Heidi Henderson For more on this episode and Heidi: For the latest, follow on and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/34933325

MSP 182: Jamila Glass 01/06/2025

MSP 182: Jamila Glass A World Immersed in Art with Dancer, Filmmaker, Choreographer, and Artistic Director Jamila Glass Jamila Glass is a filmmaker, choreographer, and Artistic Director of L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC), where she has been a member since its founding in 2005. She has choreographed for Netflix, HBO, Hulu, BET, and PRADA, with her work featured in the NY Times, L.A. Times, and more. In 2024, she co-founded the Los Angeles Choreographers Institute and has directed 21 short dance films, a TV pilot, and music videos through her production company, The Cutting Room. A graduate of USC’s School of Cinema-Television, her work blends movement, storytelling, and world-building to reflect the human experience. On this episode of Movers and Shapers: A Dance Podcast, Erin sits down with Jamila Glass to discuss her love for dance, her time at a performing arts high school, and her journey through USC’s School of Cinema-Television. Jamila explores how dance and film began to intertwine in her life, unpacking her powerful statement: “I’m a better dancer because I’m a filmmaker, and I’m a better filmmaker because I’m a dancer.” She reflects on nearly five years as Artistic Director of the L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) and shares her current projects and excitement for what’s ahead. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with an inspiring artist. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: · Jamila shares the origin story of her love for dance. · She reflects on her time in a performing arts high school (in Houston). · What she wanted to get into after high school and her first entry into film: video editing. · Jamila takes us through her USC journey and her plan for after graduation. · How her two worlds of dance and film began to merge. · She explains how she started and her experience choreographing for film and television. · Jamila delves into and unpacks her quote, “I’m a better dancer because I’m a filmmaker, and I’m a better filmmaker because I’m a dancer.” · Why she finds it interesting that people grapple with the idea that they need to choose one thing and stick to it for the entirety of their careers. · Jamila details her role and insights gained as Artistic Director of the L.A. Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) · What she’s creating now and the energy behind her upcoming projects. Jamila Glass is a creative working in Los Angeles in film and television, and the Artistic Director of “I think the best artists are people who bring all of their experiences into the room with them, whether those experiences, thoughts, or interests seem related to movement or not. Any one of us can be in — the movement style class and we can know the traditional way of moving in those styles but it’s the other life experiences and interest that distinguish the artist, in my opinion.” — Jamila Glass For more on this episode and artists: For the latest, follow on and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/34746795

MSP 181: Chicago 12/23/2024

MSP 181: Chicago Five Voices, One City: Unpacking Chicago’s Dance Community, with Kristina Fluty, Alyssa Gregory, Rahila Coats, Michael McStraw, and Helen Lee In this episode of Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast, we dive deeply into the vibrant and diverse world of Chicago’s dance scene. Joining Erin are five incredible voices, each bringing a unique perspective on what makes this city’s dance community so dynamic, expansive, and full of life. Featured in this episode are Kristina Fluty, Alyssa Gregory, Rahila Coats, Michael McStraw, and Helen Lee — five Chicago-based dance artists who capture the spirit and energy of this thriving artistic hub. Together, they share how living in Chicago has shaped their careers and creative journeys, and explore how the city’s geography influences its dance community. We explore the work being created there, the support systems and resources that have been most valuable in their growth, and delve into an overview of opportunities for residencies and funding. Plus, each artist reflects on what keeps them curious, inspired, and energized within the Chicago dance world. Tune in for a lively and insightful conversation that captures the essence of this incredible dance community. Enjoy! Key Points From This Episode: · Setting the scene for the Chicago-focused episode. · We are introduced to our five guests: Alyssa Gregory, Kristina Fluty, Rahila Coats, Michael McStraw, and Helen Lee. · How living in Chicago has influenced their careers and artistic journeys. · Our guests help situate Chicago for listeners unfamiliar with the city and how it shapes the dance community. · We dive in and discuss the Chicago dance scene and the work being made. · Resources and support systems that have been the most valuable to our guests throughout their careers. · An overview of the opportunities available for dance residencies and funding within the Chicago dance scene. · Dance education hubs and the overall dance class vibe in Chicago. · Each guest talks about what keeps them curious, interested, and excited about their dance lives in Chicago. “In my time here in Chicago, I’ve just seen things grow, blossom, and then shift. That seems to be the rhythm in this community.” — Michael McStraw Kristina Fluty, an Associate Professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University, has been dancing, teaching, consulting, and performing in Chicago since 2003, primarily with Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak. Alyssa (Uhh-lee-sa) Gregory is a Chicago-based performing artist and cultural organizer who moves between the worlds of dance, arts administration, and podcasting, amplifying Black creativity and championing the brilliance of Chicago’s vibrant arts community. (she/her) Rahila Coats is an improviser, dancer, musician and educator who loves to eat up space and eat with her community; her work focuses on black femme experiences and joy. Michael McStraw, Executive Director of Chicago Dance History Project, is an outstanding advocate for the Chicago performing arts community and highly regarded as a positive and constant influence in the sector for 40 years. Helen Lee is a Queer Asian Chicago-born interdisciplinary artist raised by immigrant parents from South Korea. They are the director for the project-based company, Momentum Sensorium, which often performs in unconventional spaces such as lighthouses, train stations, and homes. For more on this episode and artists: For the latest, follow on and Support this podcast with a tax-deductible donation! /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/34590925

MSP 180: Tristan Ching Hartmann 12/09/2024

MSP 180: Tristan Ching Hartmann Crafting a Fulfilling Life In Dance with Tristan Ching Hartmann What does it take to craft a fulfilling life in dance? For Tristan Ching Hartmann, it’s a blend of resilience, curiosity, community, and an unshakable love for movement. From her shy beginnings in Ventura, California, to performing with the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company in San Francisco, Tristan’s journey has been anything but conventional. She reflects on transformative moments, including commuting long hours for ballet classes, finding her artistic home with Robert Moses’ Kin, and reinventing herself as a jazz dancer during her time in London. Tristan delves into how her teaching practice reignited her creativity, her experiences taking on choreography, and the life lessons she’s learned from Argentine Tango. She also shares the profound impact of a serious spinal injury that temporarily halted her dancing and how it led her to redefine her relationship with movement. Now dancing into her late 40s, she offers insights on adapting training, cherishing every moment in the studio, and navigating the physical demands of her art. Her passion for building community and mentoring younger dancers reflects her deep commitment to the art form and those who practice it. Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores what it truly means to craft a fulfilling life in dance! Key Points From This Episode: · An introduction to Tristan Ching Hartmann and her unique movement journey. · How a childhood dance class sparked a lifelong passion for movement and artistry. · Tristan’s deep connection to ballet and her love for its precision, grace, and classical music. · The balancing act of pursuing dance while meeting her family’s academic expectations. · How Stanford shaped her journey, leading to modern dance and joining Robert Moses’ Kin. · The pivotal role of Robert Moses in Tristan’s early professional career and artistic growth. · Recovering from a serious spinal injury and the life-changing decision to travel and reflect. · How moving to London allowed Tristan to reinvent herself and explore jazz and the West End. · Her transformative experience teaching and discovering new ways to connect with students. · Returning to the stage with Margaret Jenkins Dance Company in her late 40s. · How Tristan adapts training to stay active despite the physical challenges of aging. · Tristan’s insights into Argentine Tango as a life lesson in feeling and responding. · Reflecting on her love for building community and mentoring the next generation of dancers. Tristan Ching Hartmann (she/her) is a long-time lover of dance, the Bay Area, and dance in the Bay Area. She was a founding member of Robert Moses’ Kin, on faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, and currently dances with Margaret Jenkins Dance Company as well as collaborating with her dance friends/heroes, The Straw Dogs. For more on this episode: For the latest, follow on and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/34352865

MSP 179: Durham 11/25/2024

MSP 179: Durham The Durham Dance & Arts Community with Anna Barker, Jessi Knight, Kristin Taylor Duncan, and Stacy Wolfson Durham, North Carolina, is a mid-sized city known for its vibrant mix of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Frequently ranked as one of the best places to live in the US, it boasts a thriving arts, culture, and culinary scene. With a strong sense of community, Durham takes pride in its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on four inspiring Durham-based dance artists: Anna Barker, Jessi Knight, Kristin Taylor Duncan, and Stacy Wolfson. Resourceful and deeply passionate, these dancers not only support one another but also fully embrace the creative freedom they've found in Durham, along with its unique joys and challenges. Our conversation explores the journeys that brought each artist to Durham and how the city has influenced their work. They share insights into its geography and connections to the Triangle and Triad regions, discussing how these factors shape their artistic processes. The discussion also tackles the challenges of building a dance community and reflects on its role within the local arts landscape. Looking ahead, the artists articulate their visions for the future of their community, the changes they hope to see, and what makes their dance lives in this city so deeply meaningful. Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring exploration of creativity, connection, and community. Tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: · An introduction to today’s topic and each of our special guests. · What drew these artists to Durham and how it has influenced their artistic journeys. · Insight into the geography of Durham; the Triangle and Triad. · How dance artists navigate the various challenges of making work in Durham. · Where in the community artists can come together in Durham or its surroundings. · Reflections on where dance fits into Durham's art landscape and why. · A breakdown of the different changes or developments they’d like to see in the dance community and how they envision their contributions to it. · What is special to Kristin, Jessi, Anna, and Stacy about their dance life in Durham. Podcast Guests: Anna Barker is a choreographer, mover and Pilates instructor based in Durham NC. Jessi Knight is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer from NC who has evolved and reinvented herself many times over the years through grace and art making and with her tribe. Kristin Taylor Duncan is a dancer, choreographer and dance educator from Durham, North Carolina, producing dance works for film, stage and alternative space. Stacy Wolfson (Artistic Director of The Bipeds Dance Theatre) is a choreographer, dancer, singer, mama of teenagers, wife, and Pilates studio owner (Bull City Pilates and Massage). For more on this episode and artists: For the latest, follow on and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/34155330

MSP 178: Alice Gosti 10/28/2024

MSP 178: Alice Gosti This season we focus on interviews and discussions with vibrant artists from cities across the United States. Today - Alice Gosti in Seattle, WA. Beyond the Stage: Alice Gosti on Time, Space, and Identity What does it mean to create art that exists both within and beyond time and place? In this episode, we step into the world of Alice Gosti, an Italian-born, Seattle-based dance artist known for pushing the boundaries of performance. She is also a key collaborator of MALACARNE, an experimental dance and performance ensemble dedicated to co-creating transformative rituals that challenge limiting ideas about class, sexuality, gender, ability, and ethnicity. Raised in Italy with American roots, Alice’s multicultural identity informs her approach to choreography and her fascination with “non-places” like airports, where people share fleeting moments of connection. She reveals how these unconventional spaces inspire her work, why beauty and entertainment are consequences of her work rather than motivations, and shares her passion for durational performance and the powerful transformations that occur over hours-long art experiences. Whether she’s turning a museum into a stage or bringing choreography to the heart of an airport, Alice’s work invites us to reconsider how we experience movement and meaning in unexpected spaces. Tune in for her reflections on the intersections of time, space, and identity in art and consider new ways to see life as a creative artist! Key Points From This Episode: · Alice’s beginnings in Perugia, Italy, and her introduction to dance at three years old. · Early dance influences, including her exposure to the Alwin Nikolais lineage. · Pressure Alice faced to pursue choreography over dance due to her appearance. · Her interest in integrating performance art and dance in nontraditional venues. · Reflections on feeling like an “other” in both Italy and the United States. · Alice’s strong connection to Seattle and its artistic support. · Insight into her love for planes, airports, and creating dance pieces in “non-places.” · Alice’s exploration of durational performances, inspired by long-form theater. · What Alice is working on now and what audiences can expect from her in the future. “It would make such a huge difference if – choreographers and dance artists – valued more critical thinking, autonomy, [and] possibility for conversation and observation.” — Alice Gosti Alice Gosti (she/her) is an Italian American immigrant, dancer artist, choreographer, facilitator, hybrid performance artist, DJ, curator and architect of experiences, and educator focused on creating inclusive, body-based storytelling through movement, blending ecology, trans-feminism, and improvisation. Alice works under the name MALACARNE. For more on this episode: For the latest, follow on & /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/33694922

MSP 177: Pittsburgh 10/14/2024

MSP 177: Pittsburgh Welcome to another episode of Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast! You’re in for a very exciting treat as we venture into interviewing dance professionals from across the USA. Today we are talking with four dance figures from Pittsburgh, PA about their careers and the dance culture in their city. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our incredible guests, Shana Simmons, Peter Kope, Alan Obuzor, and Brittany Nettles’ careers, how they have navigated the dance scene in Pittsburgh, what resources have helped them, and so much more! We delve into how dance fits into Pittsburgh’s culture before discussing the competition and collaborative spirit in the city. We go on to talk about the incredible changes they have seen over the years in the Pittsburgh dance world and what they’d love to see happen in the future. Finally, they share beautiful moments that made them so passionate about working as dance professionals in Pittsburgh and why they love it so much. You don’t want to miss out on this inspirational episode, so be sure to press play now! Key Points From This Episode: · A brief overview of Pittsburgh’s history of dance. · Introducing today’s guests: Shana Simmons, Peter Kope, Alan Obuzor, and Brittany Nettles. · How they navigated dance careers in Pittsburgh and the resources that have helped them. · Our guests tell us where dance fits into the culture of Pittsburgh. · The collaborations and competition each of our guests experience. · What kinds of classes they offer and the struggles they face when it comes to consistency. · How they have seen the local dance community change over the years. · The changes and collaborations they’d love to see in the Pittsburgh dance scene. · Our guests tell us what they love about working in the dance industry in Pittsburgh. Podcast Guests: Shana Simmons is the Founder and Artistic Director of Shana Simmons Dance, a contemporary dance organization and company whose mission is to bring high quality dance experiences through performance, education, and community building. Peter Kope is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Attack Theatre, which fuses modern dance, original live music, and interdisciplinary art forms to create engaging dance performances. Alan Obuzor was born in Pittsburgh, he trained predominantly at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's school before joining their company for 7 seasons. After that he taught at PBT school before founding Texture contemporary ballet in 2011 and Texture Ballet School in 2019. Brittany Nettles (she/they) is a Pittsburgh based freelance dancer, choreographer and educator, who has worked with groups such as Shana Simmons Dance, Point Park University, PearlArts, and InterPGH. For more on this episode: For the latest, follow on & /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/33447207

MSP 176: Clare Cook 09/30/2024

MSP 176: Clare Cook We are back! This season we will focus on interviews and discussions with vibrant artists from cities across the United States. Up first - Clare Cook in Lafayette, Louisiana. Clare is the Founder and Creative Director of Basin Arts, a non-profit arts incubator dedicated to helping Louisiana artists develop sustainable creative practices. Basin Arts aims to expand access to professional contemporary arts experiences while fostering genuine connections between artists and the broader community. In our interview, we explore how dance was positively cultivated in different spaces throughout her life, what she’s grateful for, and unpack her decision to pursue a life in dance. She shares insights into being the youngest in her NYU Tisch Dance program, her passion for storytelling and collaboration, and her interest in the theatre-dance hybrid. We also discuss her experience with an observership, the decision to return to Lafayette, and go deeper into the heart and vision behind Basin Arts. For all this and much more, be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode: · We’re introduced to our guest Clare Cook and her life and dance journey. · She reflects on how dance was cultivated in different spaces throughout her life and what she’s grateful for. · Clare unpacks her decision to pursue a life in dance. · How she thought of dance as a way to become more of herself. · Her love and interest in storytelling and collaboration. · How she got her first gig choreographing a musical. · She talks about her interest in the theatre-dance hybrid. · Clare shares about her opportunity to do an observership. · The impetus to move back to Louisiana and what it was like navigating that transition. · How the concept for Basin Arts started to unfold. · She speaks to the idea of trajectory as continued evolution along the path of creative process, collaboration, and community. · Clare breaks down what creating authentic relationships with the community looks like through Basin Arts. · Clare shares what she’s excited about and upcoming events. “[Basin Arts] was this idea of how can we, in the simplest, least encumbered way, find a space for people to come together and do their work.” — Clare Cook Clare Cook is a hyphenate artist working simultaneously as a choreographer, dancer, teacher, and arts administrator through her work as Founder & Creative Director of Basin Arts, a interdisciplinary arts incubator in Lafayette, La. Special thanks to season supporters: The Ohio State University Dance Preservation Fund and a special Anonymous Donor! For more on this episode: For the latest, follow on & /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/33267007

MSP: Special June Announcement from Erin Carlisle Norton 06/26/2024

MSP 175: Rachel Damon 06/03/2024

MSP 175: Rachel Damon When Decisions are Commitments with Rachel Damon Joining us today is Rachel Damon, a choreographer, theatrical designer, performer, and co-founder and artistic director of Synapse Arts, a Chicago-based dance theater company. Rachel's self-made career is a testament to her multidisciplinary talents, blending onstage and backstage roles to create dynamic performance works through collaboration, improvisation, and teamwork. In this episode, Rachel shares her remarkable journey from lovable weirdo at musical theatre summer camp to internationally-renowned production stage manager and performer who lives her life by making decisions as commitments. Tuning in, you’ll discover how her dual passions for choreography and crafting have fueled her personal and professional growth, the power of educating performers to negotiate their value, ensuring that art is recognized as legitimate work, and why diversity is a cornerstone of Synapse Arts' identity. We also explore Rachel's love for theatre production, her innovative partnership with the Chicago Park District, and the unique site-specific performances born from this collaboration. Join us for an engaging conversation that covers all this and more! Key Points From This Episode: · An overview of Rachel’s background and what sparked her interest in dance and theatre. · The immediacy that she loves about theatre production work and stage management. · How Links Hall in Chicago acted as a springboard for her career. · Insight into Synapse Arts, how it got started, and how it has evolved since. · Synapse’s partnership with the Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU). · Rachel’s site-specific and outdoor performances that punctuate everyday life. · The significance of her interdisciplinary work, including her “textile dances.” · Challenges she has encountered in her onstage and backstage career. · How Rachel empowers artists and advocates for art to be valued as work. · Ways that you can contribute to Synapse’s 20th Birthday Bash Campaign. · Why a diversity of identities and lived experiences is important in the arts. “Being with the weird people who are risky, accepting, and idea-driven [is] where I feel safe and inspired.” — Rachel Damon Rachel Damon is a Chicago-based theatrical designer, choreographer, and performer whose self-made career bridges onstage and backstage. For more on this episode: For the latest, follow on & /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/31608472

MSP 174: Sydney Skybetter 05/20/2024

MSP 174: Sydney Skybetter The Deeper Meaning of Dance, Dance and Emerging Technology, and Navigating an Economy that Exploits Dancers with Sydney Skybetter Creating a successful career as a dancer in a world where there are few opportunities to thrive is particularly challenging. However, today’s guest has created a fascinating career for himself in the world of academia, research, and even dancing robots! Sydney Skybetter joins us today to discuss his life as a dancer, dance educator, and entrepreneur. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about how Sydney was introduced to dance, the beauty in the chosen family he created at art school, and his incredible Conference for Research and Choreographic Interfaces (CRCI). After Sydney’s studies, he was forced to hustle his way through a variety of odd jobs to survive financially and he tells us all about the important lessons he has learned from every job he’s ever had. We also delve into why dance programs should consider the dangers of sending dancers out into a world and economy that isn’t built for them, the connection between dance and emerging technology, potential problems for dancers and AI, and much more. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: · An overview of Sydney’s life and how he got into dance. · The connection between dance history and emerging technology. · A commentary about the body-type expectations for dancers. · Insight into Sydney’s dance training and the chosen family he created. · All about the Conference for Research and Choreographic Interfaces (CRCI) he started. · Comparisons between writing and performance. · Some of his “weird jobs” and why he did them. · The danger of pumping out dancers into an economy that will not make good use of them. · How Sydney got into academia and what his experience at Brown University has been like. · What he is most excited about right now and the research he is currently doing. · How artists and dancers are being exploited, especially when it comes to technology. · What Sydney is excited about for his career in the near future. “I came to realize that the academy was one of the few places where artists held longitudinal power.” — Sydney Skybetter Sydney Skybetter is the first choreographer to receive tenure at Brown University, where he serves as the Deputy Dean of the College for the Curriculum and Co-Curriculum. For more on this episode: For the latest follow MSP on & /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/31394062

MSP 173: Giada Matteini 04/29/2024

MSP 173: Giada Matteini Dance for a Violence-Free Future with Giada Matteini Today's guest, Giada Matteini, embodies the belief that artists have the extraordinary ability to shape a world free from violence. As a performer, educator, choreographer, and cultural producer, Giada founded WADE (Wandering Avian Dance Experience), a women-led performing arts company that brings awareness to gender-based violence and offers healing through the transformative power of dance. In this episode of Movers & Shapers, Giada shares a panoramic view of her international dance career, brimming with hope and inspiration for those driven by their passion for art, movement, and self-expression. She speaks candidly about her personal experience with domestic violence and the profound role that dance played in her healing process; emphasizing how WADE emerged as a platform to raise awareness, initiate important conversations, empower survivors, and build a compassionate community of creative minds. You’ll gain insight into Giada's journey, her dedication to her craft, and her unwavering commitment to using art as a catalyst for social change. This episode is a testament to the boundless potential of dance and resilience, so be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: · Giada’s love for movement and teaching and an overview of her dance career. · The story of how she first came to the United States (and what made her stay). · How she learned English from The Cure and honed her American slang with TV. · Her early days in New York and how she began to build a career for herself. · Insight into her passion for learning and her formal dance education. · The haven that dance provided for Giada when life was difficult. · How WADE was born and how it became so much more than a dance company. · The bird that inspired the name and the four foundational pillars in the logo. · Touching stories about some of the most poignant moments from Giada’s career. · Why Giada refers to ballet as “the greatest equalizer” and her somatic approach to it. · Insight into her plans to use dance as a tool to build a violence-free future for all. “My life was hard; emotionally hard, physically hard, financially hard. Dance was – my haven.” — Giada Matteini Giada Matteini is an Italian performer, educator, choreographer, and cultural producer based in New York City, who is the Founder and Director of WADE (Wandering Avian Dance Experience), a women-led multifaceted performing arts company working at the intersection with social justice and focused on supporting the voices and artistic expressions of women and historically underrepresented artists. More on this episode: For the latest from Movers & Shapers: & /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/31037338

MSP 172: Mimi Garrard 04/15/2024

MSP 172: Mimi Garrard The Journey of Creating Dance for Video with Mimi Garrard Video dance work has become increasingly popular as technology has advanced, but not many dancers and choreographers have made it their primary medium of work. Today’s guest, Mimi Garrard, is the exception, having spent most of her extensive career focusing on video dance. In this episode of Movers & Shapers, we hear all about Mimi’s life, what led her to dance, her training under Alwin Nikolais, why she chose video dance, and what she loves about it. We delve into how she combines video and live dancing before Mimi expands on how technology has changed her work, the lighting system her husband designed for her, and some of her biggest influences throughout her career and life. Mimi feels that intuition has always been a driving force for her, and today, she tells us how that has served her work. We even discuss how AI might impact her work and what’s next for Mimi Garrard Dance Theatre. This is a fascinating episode filled with unique perspectives carved from Mimi’s special journey, so be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode: · An overview of Mimi’s life and what led her to dance. · Her training and touring program with Alwin Nikolais and the pieces she did with him. · Mimi’s move to the country, her outdoor work, and how madness is a theme of her work. · What informed her decision to combine video with live dance and how it has been received. · Who has influenced her work most throughout her career. · What Alwin Nikolais was like (according to our guest!) · How Mimi got hooked on video dance and how her work has evolved with technology. · The lighting system her husband came up with for her dance videos. · How Mimi’s intuition has served her throughout her career. · The importance of learning and continuously working as a beginner. · What’s next for Mimi and her curiosity about how AI will affect her work. · Why she doesn’t attend screenings of her own work. “If I don’t know what to do, it’s my intuition that tells me what to try next.” — Mimi Garrard Mimi Garrard is an award-winning choreographer for the stage and for video. For more on this episode: Follow for the lastest on and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/30827468

MSP 171: Stefanie Nelson 03/25/2024

MSP 171: Stefanie Nelson Finding Your Artistry Beyond Words with Stefanie Nelson One of the beautiful things about dance is the ability to express yourself without words. You can just dance. Joining Erin on the podcast today is Stefanie Nelson, Founder and Director of Stefanie Nelson Dancegroup (SND), a contemporary dance company based in NYC. Stefanie also established Dance Italia, an international summer dance program in Lucca, Italy. Today, she shares what kickstarted her lifelong love of dance and the influence that Alice Teirstein had on her journey. She also offers insight into her college journey and what it takes to make it as an artist in New York City. Tuning in, you’ll learn how she transitioned from dancer to choreographer and how 9/11 ultimately led her to Italy. She details her time dancing and choreographing in Italy before returning to America and shares her vision for Dance Italia. To learn more about Stefanie’s career highlights, challenges, and the different projects and initiatives that keep her busy, be sure not to miss this episode of Movers & Shapers. Thanks for listening in! Key Points From This Episode: · How quitting piano led Stefanie to a lifelong love of dance. · Alice Teirstein and what led her to become a dancer. · What it means to “make it work” as an artist in New York City. · How Stefanie eventually transitioned into creating her own work as a choreographer. · Running away to Italy after 9/11 and how it played out. · Highlights from her time dancing and choreographing in Italy. · Details about the Dance Italia festival and the vision behind it. · How the organization and planning for Dance Italia have changed over the years. · The different projects and initiatives that Stefanie is busy with. · Insight into her upcoming work in 2025 and beyond. · Highlights, challenges, and other obstacles from Stefanie’s career journey. · Her hopes, aspirations, and dreams for the future. “There’s something very beautiful about being able to express yourself without having to articulate words, ideas, thoughts, and sentences in a linear way.” — Stefanie Nelson Stefanie Nelson is the Founder and Director of Stefanie Nelson Dancegroup (SND), a contemporary performance group based in NYC; DANCE ITALIA, an international summer dance festival in Lucca, Italy; and Motore 592, a bold, new, center for contemporary movement practices in Lucca, IT. For more on this episode: Follow for the latest on and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/30537083

MSP 170: Kathy Dunn Hamrick 03/11/2024

MSP 170: Kathy Dunn Hamrick Creating a Modern Dance Culture and Community with Kathy Dunn Hamrick Establishing a modern dance company is no easy feat, but today’s guest managed to create a successful organization and build a wonderful modern dance community in Austin, Texas. Today on Movers & Shapers, we welcome Kathy Dunn Hamrick, the Artistic Director of Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance, to discuss her work and how she helps dance grow in Austin. Kathy found a love for dance at a young age and quickly decided that she needed to dedicate her life to it. In this episode, you’ll hear all about Kathy’s life and career, her decision to teach, and how her desire to be ‘in charge’ led her to start her company. We discuss the difficulty of balancing a family and career, her gorgeous piece choreographed on platforms on a lake, and starting the Austin Dance Festival. We delve into Kathy’s recent cancer diagnosis and how her community has showed up for her, and Kathy opens up about next steps of sharing her knowledge with the next generation of dancers and choreographers. Finally, we walk through Kathy’s career highlights and struggles. To hear all this and more, press play now! Key Points From This Episode: · We delve into the who behind Kathy Dunn Hamrick and learn about how she got into dance. · The wonderful mentors Kathy has had and how they shaped her career. · Kathy tells us about her move to New York and why she decided to get her MFA. · Transitioning into the role of dance teacher and founding namesake company; Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance. · How Kathy balances her family and business while keeping her career interesting for herself. · The incredible dance piece that was choreographed by Kathy and performed on a lake. · The modern dance culture in Austin and why Kathy started her dance festival. · How COVID affected Kathy’s business and festival. · Kathy’s diagnosis with stage four cancer and what’s next for her and the organization. · Why finances have always been Kathy’s biggest business struggle. · The highlights of Kathy’s career and the wonderful dance community she’s built. “From a very young age I knew I wanted a family and I knew I wanted to dance and I’ve achieved both of those [things] so I’m living my best life honestly.” — Kathy Dunn Hamrick Kathy Dunn Hamrick is the Artistic Director of Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company and the Founder and Executive Producer of Austin Dance Festival. For more on this episode: Check us out on and for more! /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/30344573

MSP 169: Julie Lemberger 02/26/2024

MSP 169: Julie Lemberger Enjoying the Art, Expression, and Freedom of Dance with Julie Lemberger Welcome to the latest episode of the Movers and Shapers podcast, where today we're delighted to welcome our guest, Julie Lemberger. Julie is a multifaceted individual — she's had a life as a dancer, dance photographer, and educator. She has dedicated over 15 years to capturing the ephemeral beauty of concert dance. Her lens has encapsulated the essence of New York City's dance scene at the turn of the 21st century. Julie's stunning dance photography has graced the pages of prestigious publications like The New York Times, Dance Magazine, and numerous national and international journals and websites since 1993. Join the conversation to hear about what sparked her interest in dance, why she was initially turned off of modern dance, and how her ballet journey led her to places like The Netherlands, Germany, and New York. We delve into her diverse dance ventures and then pivot to hear about her transition to Plan B: starting college. Julie shares the fascinating intersection of her worlds; photography and dance, and articulates the emotions she experiences when capturing dance through her camera. Don't miss out on this intriguing discussion! Tune in now to hear all this and much more. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: · We discover how The Nutcracker sparked Julie’s interest in dance. · Her thoughts on being more of an artist and enjoying ballet for the artistry of it. · Why she decided to stick to the discipline of ballet while growing up. · Julie shares a turning point, and realization, in her dance career. · She delves into her time in Europe (The Netherlands, Germany, England). · We are transported forward, back to New York, and her other endeavors at the Graham School, Jacob’s Pillow, and more. · Her Plan B: starting college. · Why starting college was the saddest day of her life. · She recalls the time she got her first camera, at age 23. · When the two worlds collide: dance and photography. · What Julie enjoyed most about dance photography: her master’s degree experience. · She expresses what taking photos of dance makes her feel. · Julie highlights what she’s excited about, and what gives her energy, these days. “I realized that having my photographs judged was so much easier than having my body and my dancing judged.” — Julie Lemberger A former dancer, Julie Lemberger photographs dance in New York City for 30 years, and whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Dance Magazine and many other journals, books and digital platforms. Check out her coloring book . More on this Episode: Follow Movers & Shapers: and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/30117853

MSP 168: Betsy Miller 02/12/2024

MSP 168: Betsy Miller Being part of the global dance community can be deeply rewarding but it also has the potential to be exceptionally challenging and toxic. Not only are you competing for highly limited resources, but you also need to contend with how your self-worth can become contingent on the opinion of others. Today’s guest, Betsy Miller, has experienced many of the highs and lows familiar to almost any dancer but ultimately counts herself blessed and deeply fortunate to have found genuine places of community within the dance world. Join us as we talk with Betsy about her early love of dance (and fashion!), her studies at Connecticut College, and how she uncovered her love of teaching while earning her MFA at The Ohio State University. She shares how establishing a collective with her former cohort allowed her to work in the collaborative models that would come to define her later approach to dance and how she earned her position as the Associate Professor of Dance at Salem State University, where she still finds herself today. We also learn about her ongoing american / woman dance project, and the circumstances that inspired it, before discussing how she chose to reorient the fundamental relationship between choreographer and dancer. For an expansive conversation on creative research, the beauty of being part of a dance community, and much more, be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode: · Betsy’s early love of ballet and fashion and her discovery of modern dance. · The incredible faculty members and guest artists she studied under at Connecticut College · How she co-founded the Propel-her dance collective with her former cohort and friends. · How grad school helped her uncover her love of teaching. · How she became a tenured professor · The multitude of factors that led Betsy to start the american / woman project. · How she has used the american / woman project to interrogate the title subject matter and reorient the choreographer-dancer relationship. · Betsy shares the highs, lows, and biggest challenges of her career. “It's always about community and the places in which I find community in the dance world. Something about the way that we bring our bodies into the spaces and that we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable because we are embodied, makes this community really special.” — Betsy Miller Based in Salem Massachusetts, Betsy Miller is a dance artist, educator and facilitator whose current mission is to collaborate with women-identifying dancers in every state of the country. More on this episode: Follow Movers & Shapers: and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/29909918

MSP: Special Announcement from Erin Carlisle Norton 12/18/2023

MSP 167: Jeanne Ruddy 11/20/2023

MSP 167: Jeanne Ruddy While dance is often underfunded and under-recognized, leaders in the field acknowledge the incredible talent that lives within every dancer, reminding them that they are, in fact, ‘Acrobats of God’. Today’s guest embodies the purpose of the Movers and Shapers: A Dance Podcast; to share insights from those who shape the dance field, and create an archive that preserves rich, personal experiences across generations. During this episode, Jeanne Ruddy shares what it was like to be a member of the Martha Graham Dance Company, and to work with Martha herself. You’ll also hear how she forged her own unique role in dance, how she encourages other artists to flourish, and her passion for nurturing future generations of dancers in Philadelphia. Tuning in, you’ll learn all about Jeanne’s journey as a dancer, and finding her way to creative expression thereafter. Join us to hear all about the highs and lows of our guest’s incredible career today. Key Points From This Episode: · Her first experiences of dance and her lifelong love of music. · The changing dance scene of the 1960s. · The pivotal period of time for a dancer between 16 and 21. · Her experience at North Carolina School of the Arts and Utah Repertory Dance Theatre. · Traveling to New York and starting a company with no capital. · Getting a huge break with Yuriko Kikuchi after auditioning with Getting to Know You. · Being chosen to be in the Martha Graham Dance Company and enjoying a ten-year career. · Why Martha would sit in the second wing, stage right, in a director’s chair, during performances. · The eventual decision to leave the company due to pain. · The birth of the Performance Garage in Philadelphia. · The program Jeanne currently facilitates for dancers. · What Martha Graham taught: dancers are acrobats of God. “I walked out of Deaths and Entrances, I was definitely a child of the 60s, and I didn’t like it. Seven years later, I was playing one of the sisters in that very piece in Lincoln Centre. I loved it.” — Jeanne Ruddy Jeanne Ruddy is a former Principal Dancer with the Martha Graham Company where she performed throughout the World, on Broadway, served on the faculties of The Juilliard School, Alvin Ailey School, colleges and universities in the US and abroad, founded Jeanne Ruddy Dance, and a center for dance – the Performance Garage, in Philadelphia. More on the episode: Follow Movers & Shapers: and The organization behind the podcast: The Moving Architects presents "O my soul", where fierce femininity and intergenerational dance meet. Dec 1 in Montclair, NJ. For more info: /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/28728858

MSP 166: Rukhmani Mehta 10/30/2023

MSP 166: Rukhmani Mehta Creating a Vision for Kathak with Rukhmani Mehta Today on Movers & Shapers, we are joined by Rukhmani Mehta (previously Rina Mehta). Rukhmani is a choreographer, dancer, educator, Artistic Director of Leela Youth Dance Company, and the Co-Artistic Director of Leela Dance Collective, which brings together leading artists from around the world to advance a collective vision for kathak, a classical North Indian dance. In this episode, Rukhmani speaks about her love for creating community through dance and her deep interest in and curiosity for collaborative projects and processes. What stands out most is Rukhmani’s resounding passion for her work and art form, despite the struggles she has had along the way, as well as the thoughtfulness with which she has built her life in dance, from co-leadership of her company to teaching to creating the first-ever endowment to support kathak dance and music in the US and more. Tune in today for an inspiring conversation about the power of collaboration, community, and preserving culture! Key Points From This Episode: · How Rukhmani started dancing and when she fell in love with kathak. · What she learned about the art form from kathak master, Pt. Chitresh Das. · The profoundly transformational experience that studying kathak afforded her. · How she learned to follow her heart and commit to starting a professional dance company. · Steps Rukhmani took to build a life in dance, including teaching and the Leela Foundation. · Audience development and creating a future for kathak as an educator. · Unpacking Rukhmani’s belief in the power of collaboration. · Where the name Leela comes from and how it speaks to spontaneous creativity. · Insight into Rukhmani’s love for creating communities of young women through dance. · The process of building Leela as a collective and how it was impacted by COVID. · Joys and challenges of a dance career and what you can look forward to from Leela! · The heartwarming story of why Rukhmani changed her name from Rina. “My work is about being an artist and putting the art form out in the world but – it has also become about creating the infrastructure that the artists who are carrying these traditions forward need.” — Rukhmani Mehta Rukhmani Mehta brings a singular voice and vision to the art form of kathak, a classical dance genre from North India; she is a dancer, choreographer, educator, and Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Leela Dance Collective. More on this episode: Follow Movers & Shapers: and /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/28480325

MSP 165: Samantha Géracht 10/16/2023

MSP 165: Samantha Géracht Continuing a Modern Dance Legacy with Samantha Géracht There are many legends in modern dance that are responsible for making the art form what it is today. But how do we continue their legacy? Today we hear from one of the people responsible for continuing the legacy of Anna Sokolow, Samantha Géracht. Samantha is the artistic director at the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble and in this episode, she tells us all about her incredible career, the multitude of amazing dance practitioners she has learned from and worked with, the difference between a Sokolow dancer and a Sokolow director, the challenges she faces in continuing Anna’s legacy, and so much more! From ballet to modern dance, Samantha has experienced it all as student, performer, and teacher. You don’t want to miss this one so tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: · Samantha tells us about her upbringing and what made her interested in dancing. · What made her switch from ballet to modern dance and breaking the stigma about modern. · Samantha shares her experience at the Nikolais/Louis Dance Lab and who taught her. · Samantha’s early marriage and family life. · Joining the Sokolow company and the teaching jobs she had while she was a dancer. · Becoming a Sokolow artistic director and how it differed from being a Sokolow dancer. · The legacy that Anna Sokolow left and Samantha’s special Sokolow choreography. · Samantha shares the biggest struggles and challenges throughout her career. · The support system Samantha has to help her continue Anna’s legacy. · Some of the highlights of Samantha’s career and what she’s working on now. · Where she sees the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble in the future. “Being a dancer and a modernist in an era that’s not that interested in modernism is it’s own struggle…..[I’m] giving myself a voice and figuring out what it is I want to do with Anna’s legacy and what that means.” — Samantha Géracht Samantha Géracht performed with Anna Sokolow’s Players’ Project for eleven years and is artistic director and a founding member of the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble. Catch Show Notes on this Episode: For the Latest Follow on & /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/28341665

MSP 164: Alyssa Alpine 10/02/2023

MSP 164: Alyssa Alpine Translating Vision into Action with Alyssa Alpine Whether it’s for communication, marketing, budgeting, scheduling, or meetings (and more!), we can attest to the level of detail, creativity, and make-it-happen-attitude required in the support to make dance happen! The role of the Arts Administration is dedicated to translating vision into action, and with great appreciation and admiration we introduce today’s guest, Alyssa Alpine. Alyssa, with her accompanying drive and passion, is the Founding Director of the CUNY Dance Initiative, a residency program for NYC choreographers on City University of New York (CUNY) college campuses. In our conversation with Alyssa today, we delve into the story of how her love for dance stems from both sides of her family and what has fueled her lifelong commitment. She takes us through her academic path and recounts the story of how she fell into a career as an Arts Administrator. Alyssa elaborates on the functioning of the CUNY Dance Initiative and highlights some of the challenges and peak moments she's encountered along her career journey. Tune in to this episode to hear more from Alyssa Alpine, a true master of wearing many hats (concurrently!) and doing them all successfully! Key Points From This Episode: · We get to meet Alyssa and explore her passionate journey in the world of dance. · She talks about what got her started in dance and what made her stay · Alyssa's perspective on the Midwest and why she’d find it difficult to replicate her current life elsewhere. · Hopping from one school program to another and figuring out the dance world. · Alyssa recounts the dream and plan she had had coming out of undergrad. · We hear about her time at Columbia and her academic path. · Her sentiments about living and working in New York. · Where she went after the Limon Foundation (and having had enough of the Arts world!) · She tells the tale of how she wound up at CUNY, managing the CUNY Dance Initiative. · Her dance journey amidst working and what that looked like for Alyssa. · The strengths and skills she brings to her role as an Arts Administrator. · She elaborates on the inner functions (and systems) of the CUNY Dance Initiative. · She highlights some of the challenges she’s had to overcome throughout her career. · Alyssa shares some peak moments in her career journey. · What Alyssa is energized for and currently looking forward to. “Dance is a special thing. I think it grabs some people and others, of course, are like, ‘I don’t want to move I just want to sit and watch!’ But I think for those of us, as you know yourself, it touches something in you and it is just very compelling and it’s something unique.” — Alyssa Alpine Alyssa Alpine, the founding director of the CUNY Dance Initiative, has spent two decades in NYC’s performing arts world, with a career that’s spanned everything from rolling out marley to rolling down the steps of the NYC Public Library. More on this episode: Follow us on and for the latest! /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/28206479

MSP 163: Liz Lerman 09/19/2023

MSP 163: Liz Lerman The Independent Thinker, Liz Lerman Liz is a choreographer, performer, writer, teacher, and speaker. For the past forty years, she has infused her artistic exploration with a personal touch, humor, intellectual vibrancy, and a contemporary edge. Her choreography has delved into a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from her experiences as a go-go dancer to an exploration of the intricacies of choreography and connections with community. Today, she shares with us insights into what ignited her love for dancing and reflects on the abundant influences that have affected both her life and artistic career. She talks about the importance and complexities of our feelings and how she rode the wild waves of her 20s to discover, for herself, what dance could mean for her. We hear about the impact of her mother’s life and death on her stubbornness to figure life out for herself, why rehearsals should always matter, and the unfolding of events that surround the founding of The Dance Exchange. She expresses and reflects on how she views herself as more of an interdisciplinary artist and her eagerness to be generous about spreading her wealth of knowledge. She then details her passion for the Critical Response Process (CRP) and how that was formed over the years. Join in as we delve into the chronicles of her life and her pursuit of understanding. Tune in now! “One of my deep interests is the way we tell stories and what stories, and whose stories, and how they come across, and who’s listening, and all those kinds of questions.” – Liz Lerman Key Points From This Episode: · Liz offers insight into where she comes from and what ignited her love for dancing. · A wild ride in her 20s: riding the waves of figuring out what dance could be for her. · The impact of her mother’s life and death on her stubbornness to figure life out for herself. · How working intergenerationally moved and shifted her mindset. · The response she experienced when she started making work/performances. · Making rehearsals matter. · More about the founding of The Dance Exchange. · She goes into detail about how her different works unfolded uniquely. · Her thoughts on the nomadic life and being an ethical visitor. · How she began to extract herself from The Dance Exchange: composting Liz. · Reflections on how she views herself as more of an interdisciplinary artist. · She talks about the Critical Response Process (CRP). · Liz delves further into her current projects and pursuits. “There is so much pain and rudeness in the world of critique and what I have come to believe is that a lot of critique is just power. And if you actually want to – change the way power is absorbed and reignited in a different way in a circle then you should use CRP” — Liz Lerman Liz Lerman uses dance to understand and change the world. Her relentless curiosity has transformed the field of contemporary dance with subject matter including aging, genetics, history, the ethics of justice, and the origins of the universe. More on this episode: Follow us on & /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/28074153

MSP 162: Anna Pasternak and Blair Brown with Movement Exchange 09/04/2023

MSP 162: Anna Pasternak and Blair Brown with Movement Exchange Building Community through Arts Education with Anna Pasternak and Blair Brown of Movement Exchange Our guests today are passionate about dance, dance education, and serving communities. Join us today as we share a podcast with you featuring an interview with Anna Pasternak, the Founder of Movement Exchange, and Blair Brown, the organization's current Executive Director. During our conversation, we hear about their journeys with dance, what captivates them about the arts, and how their life paths led them to Movement Exchange. Movement Exchange is an international non-profit organization that provides accessible and sustainable dance education to youth of all ages. They share all about how it started, how it evolved, and their plans for expansion. We hear more about their university chapters and international volunteer dance exchanges and how they build leadership development, cultural awareness, and a passion for community building through arts education. To hear more about their year-round sustainable programs in underresourced communities, be sure not to miss out on today’s episode with Anna and Blair from Movement Exchange! Key Points From This Episode: · Anna shares her personal history and transformative journey with dance. · She elaborates on her aspirations after high school and how getting into Harvard impacted her dance journey. · Fly and be free; the pull to see and experience everything the world had to offer. · Anna talks about the exciting journey of founding the Movement Exchange. · Her biggest worry stepping down as Executive Director at Movement Exchange. · We hear from Blair about who she is, where she’s from, and what brought her to dance! · She elaborates on the biggest shift that altered her life as an artist: dance education. · Meeting Anna and Movement Exchange; the second jump in her career. · We discuss the realization of the barrier to dance, even in the USA. · They talk about any pushback experienced with Movement Exchange (and how they counter it). · How you can get involved in the Movement Exchange programs. “There will be nothing in my life that will be as important or have made me as happy as running Movement Exchange.” — Anna Pasternak Anna Pasternak founded the dance non-profit Movement Exchange in 2010 when she was 25 years old and living in Panama. She is a Fulbright Scholar, Harvard graduate, and currently supports Movement Exchange as a member of the board of directors. “Dance is social. It’s all about community and how do we connect with that and make our communities stronger.” — Blair Brown Blair Brown received her BA in Dance from Loyola Marymount University, her MFA in Dance from UC Irvine, and spent 10 years teaching dance in under-resourced schools and programs in California and New York before becoming the Executive Director for Movement Exchange. Learn more about ! More on this episode: Follow us on and for the latest! /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/27938811

MSP 161: Mark Morris 07/31/2023

MSP 161: Mark Morris Around the World with Mark Morris From the age of seven, Mark Morris was enamored with dance. Immersing himself in everything from flamenco to Israeli folk to ballet to modern, Mark has lived, trained, and worked in many different parts of the world. In this episode, Mark takes us on a journey from the audition that signaled the start of his career to the Mark Morris Dance Company’s first show in 1980 to his years in Brussels, where he did his “grandest work.” We also take a look at the work that Mark devotes his time to these days, which involves choreographing “dances of the future” that are only intended to be seen by the public after his death. His life has been eventful, to say the least, and this episode will give you a taste of the passion and flair that epitomize Mark Morris! Key Points From This Episode: Where Mark’s love for dance originated. Different dance forms that he has been drawn to during his life. How his life changed when he was just 11 years old. Mark’s experience training and working overseas. Why he moved to New York and the various companies he danced for while there. The driving force for the founding of the Mark Morris Dance Group. Mark Morris Dance Group’s first show and how the company evolved from there. Some of Mark’s career highlights. The contradictory attitudes that he dealt with during his time in Brussels. How the Mark Morris Dance Center came to be. Where Mark finds inspiration to continue to choreograph. Insight into his “dance of the future” concept. The profound role that music plays in his life. “I like excellence and I like surprise. I’m very interested in work that engages me and that’s not necessarily what everybody else agrees with.” — Mark Morris Mark Morris is the founder and Artistic Director of the Mark Morris Dance Group for which he has choreographed more than 150 works since its founding in 1980, and has received numerous awards and honorary degrees for his achievements in the performing arts as choreographer, conductor, and director. More on this episode: Follow us on and for the latest! /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/27618903

MSP 160: Melissa M. Young 07/03/2023

MSP 160: Melissa M. Young Take Up Your Space with Confidence with Artistic Director Melissa M. Young Often, as dancers, we have a choice to take up space with confidence or feel defeated and hold back. Our guest on today’s episode is one that continuously chose to take up space and inspired others to follow their intuitions, pursue what they love, and embrace their curiosity. This is an inspiring interview with the Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), Melissa M. Young. Our conversation with Melissa is incredibly touching as she talks about why she loved the exploration of dance and remembers certain key impressions that impacted her greatly throughout the years. She tells us why she always chose to dance to the beat of her own drum and why she pursues uncovering herself in the most authentic ways before sharing about her time spent in New York City and how she ultimately ended up dancing at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. She’s an amazing individual with a passion for dance and holds the responsibility of being an artistic director with such fervor. Tune in now to hear about the pure joy derived from Melissa’s life in dance. Enjoy. Key Points From This Episode: · Melissa talks excitedly about who she is and where her love for dance ignited from. · She talks about the impact of The Stack-Up by Talley Beatty (Alvin Ailey) on her life’s journey. · Melissa remembers taking a class from Donald McKayle and the impression it left on her. · Why Melissa never put a timeline on her career and allowed the journey to flow. · Navigating the shoulds, the coulds, and the woulds, and why she chooses to dance to the beat of her own drum. · How the culture shock of moving to New York City made her feel more alive. · How she came upon the DBDT audition notice and took a chance. · What it was like to move to Dallas: another culture shift. · She shares information regarding the current dance and art scene in Dallas. · Looking back at her career, she reflects on some challenges she’s faced and overcame. · Things that are sparking excitement in Melissa for the future. · Why she looks for great human beings first when looking at prospective dancers. “What I love about dance is I look at it like professional problem-solving. The choreography is the problem and the equation of how you get there working with everyone else, that’s how you get to the “answer”.” — Melissa M. Young Melissa M. Young is the Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre, celebrating her 29th season with the company. More on this episode: Follow us on & for the latest epsidoes. /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/27362076

MSP 159: Susan Klein 06/19/2023

MSP 159: Susan Klein Creating a Technique that Honors the Individual with Susan Klein Today’s guest Susan Klein is a true luminary, having shaped the modern dance landscape with her groundbreaking theories as creator of the renowned Klein Technique. In this episode, we explore her transformative journey as a movement pioneer, uncovering her dance background, the hurdles she overcame following a series of debilitating knee injuries, and her return to the world of movement. We discover how her experience ignited her passion for understanding the body and teaching others about movement, and how this ultimately led to the development of the Klein Technique. Susan recounts the pivotal moment she realized the limitations of imitation-based teaching and explains why she believes in nurturing individuality within dance. She opens up about her quest to safeguard her unique contributions, and why she decided to concede, despite her concern about the potential harm of her work being taught incorrectly. Join us as Susan shares her unique journey to quietly becoming one of the most valuable and influential players in the modern dance field. Key Points From This Episode: · Susan's dance background and training. · Why she believes teaching through imitation to be ineffective. · Her influences and how they shaped her journey. · The series of knee injuries that temporarily derailed her dancing career and her return to dance, post-injury. · How Susan’s experience ultimately led to the development of the Klein Technique. · The importance of individuality in dance and Susan’s continued fascination with movement and teaching. · Why she finds the widespread adoption of her work both gratifying and concerning. · Challenges she’s faced in her dancing career and the various career paths she’s explored. · Susan shares her plan to share her knowledge in book form. “When I work with people, that's always exciting because their potential and what's going on in their lives or in their body is infinitely interesting.” — Susan Klein Working and teaching in New York City, Susan Klein is the renowned creator of Klein Technique™ and a practitioner of Worsley style 5-element acupuncture and Zero Balancing. More on this episode: Follow us on and for updates! /episode/index/show/moversandshaperspodcast/id/27197970

Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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