Podcast

Attuning to the Beauty of Passion with Sara Veale

Episode 188: Show Notes

The incredible beauty of passion lies in the relentless dedication of one’s entire being, a force that radiates outward to inspire and elevate others. Today on the Movers & Shapers podcast, Erin is joined by author and dance critic Sara Veale. A North Carolina native, dancer turned dance writer, currently living in London, UK. Tune into the conversation as they dance into what inspired Sara into a lifelong journey in dance, how dance became an integral part of her identity, and what sparked her journey to shift into one that centers around her writing. They discuss her transition from the US to London, UK, the differences in the dance world, and she unpacks the responsibility of writing dance reviews and why she ultimately finds the Stars system to be fundamentally flawed. They then dive into an in-depth discussion on her book, Wild Grace: The Untamed Women of Modern Dance, breaking down what inspired the writing, how she approached the structure of the book, incorporating advice from her editor, delving deeply into the research, and the timeline from beginning to end. She shares how the book ultimately led her to a new attuning of the very beauty of passion itself! Be sure not to miss out on all this, and as always, much more. Thanks for listening, enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Sara reveals how a two-year-old girl’s fascination with movement blossomed into a lifelong journey in dance.
• Sara explains what about dance made it such an integral part of her identity.
• The journey of her writing career.
• How her future was shaping up during her time at college.
• Sara unpacks how she got into writing as a dance critic. 
• We discuss her transition from the US to London, UK, and how it shaped her dance writing.
• Finding her voice in the dance critic world.
• Why you’ve got to be reading when you want to be writing, according to Sara.
• The responsibility behind writing dance reviews. 
• She shares why she believes the idea of the Stars system, when writing reviews, is fundamentally flawed. 
• We delve into a discussion on her book, Wild Grace: The Untamed Women of Modern Dance.
• How she approached the structure of her book, finding the women, taking advice from her editor, and making tough decisions.
• Sara explains the research journey she undertook for her book and the women she writes about.
• She breaks down the timeline from the beginning to the end of getting her book published.
• How writing her book had a profound personal impact, attuning her to the very beauty of passion itself.
• Sara talks about the creation of the book’s abstract cover.
• What Sara has planned next: books, sabbaticals, and connecting with her family. 
• We talk about the shortage of non-academic, or mainstream, dance writing.

ABOUT Sara

Lessons from 10 Years of Dance Conversations with Erin Carlisle Norton

Episode 186: Show Notes

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.

ABOUT Erin

Building the Mosaic Dance Theatre Company with Morgiana Celeste Varricchio & Samara Adell

Episode 185: Show Notes

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 upcoming 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.
• Moving to New York and the various jobs she worked while she was there.
• 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.
• What it was like to be part of the Lincoln Center Institute program.
• 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.

ABOUT Morgiana Celeste Varricchio

Twin Cities with Joanna Lees, Jesse Schmitz-Boyd, Erinn Liebhard

Episode 184: Show Notes.

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.

ABOUT Joanna Lees

Something About the Way She Moves with Heidi Henderson

Episode 183: Show Notes. 

Heidi Henderson teaches Modern Technique, Composition, Improvisation, Anatomy, and Dance Writing at Connecticut College. She’s also the artistic director of elephant JANE dance, where she brings her unique vision and creativity to the stage. Heidi grew up in Maine, spent some time in New York City, and now lives in 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, and 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.
• 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.

ABOUT Heidi