Podcast

PODCAST 157: Rosalynde LeBlanc

Release Date: 5.21.23

Rosalynde LeBlanc, Co-Director/Producer, Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters. Photo Credit: Eric Politzer

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Building a Dancer with Rosalynde LeBlanc

Episode 157: Show Notes.

Rosalynde LeBlanc built her career dancing for some of the biggest names in dance. Today, she is Professor and Chair of Dance at Loyola Marymount University. Social justice awareness has always underpinned her work as a choreographer, which is why she creates pieces that are related to the world and not the mirror. During today’s conversation, she shares her perspective on what it truly means to build a dancer beyond just the physical. Tune in to hear the highlights of her incredible journey as the daughter of an accomplished dancer with Paul Taylor, applying to college early and completing her high school diploma alongside her studies, and her time dancing with Bill T. Jones that skyrocketed her career. She shares the story of being invited to dance with Baryshnikov, before burning out just three years later. Rosalynde offers her insights on doing the necessary inner work to succeed as a dancer before telling listeners all about her transition into the world of education. Tune in today to hear all this and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Rosalynde LeBlanc’s first experiences with dance and when she really fell in love with it.
• Her mom’s hands-off approach to managing her relationship with dance.
• Why she declined an invitation to dance with Paul Taylor.
• Her memory of Alvin Ailey’s death and the first World AIDS Day in 1989.
• Applying to college early and completing her high school diploma alongside her studies.
• Her experience at Purchase and the social change that occurred while she was there.
• The Bill T. Jones workshop she attended summer of ’92.
• Apprenticing for Bill T. Jones.
• The duet she performed with Bill T. Jones which launched her career.
• Her father’s work in cinema and the relationships she formed with Black Hollywood.
• What it was like to dance for Bill T. Jones at the age of 19.
• Her experience of being in the work and touring with Still/Here.
• The fraught process of leaving Bill T. Jones.
• Being invited to dance with Baryshnikov.
• The mind-body connection and how it relates to becoming dancer.
• Burning out at White Oak Dance Project after three years.
• Her transition into education.
• The sanctuary of the studio.
• What she loves most about performing.
• The piece she is working on at the moment; Tomboy.
• The less talked about shadow of success.

“The other 50% of being a dancer is your psychological state of being and that shapes your body as much as all the other technique classes. So you have to deal with that.” — Rosalynde LeBlanc

Rosalynde LeBlanc danced with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company (1993 – 1999), and Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project (1999 – 2002). She has also worked onscreen with film directors Burt Barr, John Turturro, Gretchen Bender and Matthew Rolston. She can be seen in the short film, Roz, the PBS Specials, Still/Here, Free to Dance, Dancing in the Light, A Good Man and in the feature film, Romance and Cigarettes. LeBlanc is a leading figure in the legacy and pedagogy of Bill T. Jones. She re-stages his work around the country and runs the Jones/Zane Educational Partnership at Loyola Marymount University, where she is an associate professor in the dance department. In 2020, her work in dance research and pedagogy was recognized with an honorary induction into the Jesuit Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu.

Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters  is now streaming for free as part of AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange. Audiences can visit worldchannel.org, blackpublicmedia.org, Black Public Media’s YouTube Channel, and WORLD’s YouTube channel.

PODCAST 156: Remembering Agnes De Mille with Elizabeth Ferrell and Jenna Rae Herrera

Beth Ferrell in Rodeo

Release Date: 5.8.23

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Remembering Agnes De Mille with Elizabeth Ferrell and Jenna Rae Herrera

Episode 156: Show Notes.

Today’s episode is a special one, where we look back and remember world-renowned dancer, choreographer, writer, lecturer, and director, Agnes De Mille. Agnes had a successful, yet tempestuous, career that spanned almost 70 years through the world of 20th-century American theater and ballet. We take a look at her through the eyes of Elizabeth Ferrell, formerly a member of the American Ballet Theater, and Jenna Rae Herrera, a principal artist with Ballet West. We hear their recollections of working with De Mille in the studio and performing her work, and we listen to their insights about how the course of American dance was forever changed by her. Stay tuned for a lively conversation about Agnes De Mille and her long-lasting impact; creating strong-willed American female roles. Enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Beth shares a short (but detailed) biography of Agnes De Mille; Agnes in a nutshell.
• More about Beth, her background, and how she became part of De Mille’s work.
• Beth tells listeners about De Mille’s personality (both in the studio and on stage).
• Jenna talks about her background in dance and career at Ballet West.
• Jenna tells us about learning her role in Rodeo and how it helped her grow as an artist.
• The process of learning the Rodeo material (and hearing the narrative from Agnes herself).
• Jenna shares her experience learning work that was made decades ago (and translating it to her body and the company).
• We hear Beth’s experience doing De Mille’s work, both the physical experience and the learning process.
• Jenna and Beth reminisce about their time performing The Cow Girl in the Rodeo
• Why Rodeo was set on ballet companies (as opposed to other genres of dance).
• Their thoughts on why De Mille’s work has become timeless and why it’s still being performed today.

“She was really ahead of her time, there’s still a real push to nurture and push female choreographers and women’s voices [today] — and here she is in the 1940s choosing her own music, dancers, costumes, set designs, and was calling the shots.” — Elizabeth Ferrell

Elizabeth Ferrell was born in St. Louis, Missouri and began her early training with Alexandra Zaharias.  At age 14, she was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship to study at the School of American Ballet and upon graduation was chosen by Peter Martins to receive the Danish American National Cultures Exchange scholarship to study with the Royal Danish Ballet.  In 1985, Elizabeth was invited by Mikhail Baryshnikov to become a member of American Ballet Theatre where she danced from 1985 to 1998.  During that time she appeared in much of the classical and contemporary repertory and worked with such esteemed choreographers as Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Anthony Tudor, Lar Lubovitch, Glen Tetley, Mark Morris, Ben Stevenson, Natalia Makarova, Kevin McKenzie, Clark Tippet, Ronald Hynd, Twyla Tharp and Agnes de Mille.  She has also performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, New York City Opera, Alessandra Ferri’s “Stars of the American Ballet”, Papermill Playhouse, Muny Opera, Goodspeed Opera, and most recently Hong Kong Ballet.  She can be seen in five “Dance in America” broadcasts for PBS and appeared in Herbert Ross‘ movie “Dancers” and Frederick Wiseman’s documentary “Ballet.”  Elizabeth took part in the inaugural teacher training program of ABT’s National Training Curriculum and is now an ABT certified instructor.  She has taught at such institutions as Ballet Hispanico in New York, Danceworks in London, and the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, as well as guest taught at ballet schools in the U.S., London and Hong Kong.  She is currently on the faculty of the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.

In addition, Beth has danced the following roles in Agnes de Mille works:

DeMille workshop- 1998: Allegro, A Rose For Miss Emily

With American Ballet Theatre: The Informer– 1988 original cast- was in corps and the female lead- The Girl, Rodeo– 1989 ABT revival- was an Eastern Friend and the Cowgirl, 3 Virgins and a Devil– 1993 ABT revival- The Fanatical One, The Other– 1992- the corps, Fall River Legend– the corps

Musical Theater- Brigadoon– 1996 revival NY City Opera- Jean Maclaren

Jenna Rae Herrera in Rodeo (photo Beau Pearson)

Jenna Rae Herrera is from Ontario, California.  She joined Ballet West II in 2007 and the main company in 2010.  Jenna was promoted to Demi-Soloist in 2015, to Soloist in 2016, to First Soloist in 2020, and to Principal in 2021.  She trained under Cynthia Young, Laurence Blake, and Randall Graham.  Jenna’s favorite leading roles she’s danced with Ballet West include Balanchine’s Rubies, Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Olga in Cranko’s Onegin, and Juliet in Smuin’s Romeo + Juliet.  Jenna is also on faculty with the Ballet West Academy and has taught at the Ballet West Academy Summer Intensive, as well as at the Brigham Young University Advanced Ballet Intensive.  She is currently enrolled at the University of Utah with the hopes of obtaining a bachelor’s in the Fine Arts.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jenna Rae Herrera

Jenna Rae Herrera on Instagram

Elizabeth Ferrell

Elizabeth Ferrell on Instagram

Agnes De Mille

Agnes De Mille Books

Dance to the Piper

MOVERS & SHAPERS:

PODCAST No.155 – Remembering Jennifer Muller (1944-2023)

Release Date: 4.24.23

Original Release Date: 9.5.19

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ABOUT JENNIFER MULLER

JENNIFER MULLER (JMTW Artistic Director and Founder) has been an influence in the dance world for over 50 years, is known for her visionary approach and innovations in dance/theater, multi-discipline productions incorporating the spoken word, live and commissioned music, media, artist-inspired decor and unusual production elements. Muller has created over 118 pieces, including seven full evening productions, collaborating with such artists as Keith Haring, Keith Jarrett, Yoko Ono and Jeff Croiter. Muller is recognized as a “seminal influence on dance/theater.” Her prolific career has led to recent honors: Fortaleza’s 2010 Trophy of Cultural Responsibility and a 2011 American Masterpieces: Artistic Genius Grant, UCSB conference and exhibit and the publication Transformation & Continuance: Jennifer Muller and the Reshaping of American Modern Dance, 1959 to Present. An internationally renowned teacher and mentor of creative talent, Muller has developed a personalized technique informed by Eastern philosophy. TanzPlan Berlin chose Muller Polarity Technique as one of seven unique contemporary dance techniques for its publication/ DVD Tanztechnik 2010. Creating and re-staging pieces for 26 international repertory companies in nine countries, her commissions include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Tanz-Forum Köln, Lyon Opera Ballet, Bat Dor, Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Ballet Contemporaneo, Nederlands Dans Theater, NDT3 and Introdans in The Netherlands. An award-winning choreographer, Muller’s choreography for theater/opera productions include The Public Theater, 2nd Stage Theater, NY Stage & Film, and the New York City Opera. In 2011, she choreographed the new musical The Spiral Show in China. Muller is currently re-staging her 2015 piece Miserere Nobis on both Introdans in The Netherlands and UC/Santa Barbara, both to be premiered in early 2020. Her most recent work The Theory of Color, which premiered at New York Live Arts this past June, received overwhelming acclaim: “a dynamic, riveting work.” 

Above all, dance has been Ms. Muller’s passion and creative voice since she was a child. Creating pieces since age seven, she danced professionally at age 15 with the Pearl Lang Dance Company followed by nine years as Principal Dancer with the José Limon Company [while graduating from the Juilliard School] and seven years as Associate Artistic Director of the Louis Falco Dance Company. Now, as a result of years of productive creativity, her work has been seen on stage and television in 45 countries.

PODCAST 153: Margaret Beals

Release Date: 3.27.23

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The Art of Improvisation with Margaret Beals

For today’s guest, dancing without inhibitions is what has fed her soul for more than 8 decades.  Joining us on Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast is the incredible dance improvisation innovator Margaret Beals to tell us all about her years of dancing and her new documentary, Dancing Without Steps. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our guest’s privileged upbringing, her longing to be free, dancing in her home and the streets of New York City, and why she always stood out as a dancer. She walks us through her early adulthood, dance classes, club and cabaret days, and teaching before explaining how she dealt with being so different. With an amazing ability to perform improvised solo concerts that combined dance, text, music, and humor, she tells us how she realized she was so unlike others in her generation. Finally, Margaret shares her experience of creating her film with us. So to hear all about improvisation and to be inspired to embrace your authentic self, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

·       Margaret tells us about her upbringing and how she started dancing.

·       How she knew her lifestyle was different and why she wanted to be free.

·       Her experience of dancing in her front hall, moving to New York, and dancing in the streets.

·       She tells us her opinion of the definition of ‘talent’ and why she always stood out.

·       What Margaret wanted to do when she was in her 20s and her time doing cabarets and clubs.

·       Margaret tells us about how she got started with teaching.

·       She shares the secret to moving and talking at the same time.

·       How she navigated the challenge of feeling like she doesn’t belong.

·       Getting the rights to Sylvia Plath’s works and performing poetry in an original play.

·       How Margaret shares her methodologies with dancers.

·       Margaret shares what she is working on in her field now.

·       How her movie, Dancing Without Steps, became a reality.

·       The importance of accepting your unapologetically unique self.

“I don’t think I danced to please. I danced the way I danced and hoped everybody would see it.” — Margaret Beals

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

PODCAST 152: Renée Jaworski

Release Date: 3.10.23

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The Magic of Creativity with Renée Jaworski

Being a successful dance performer requires a combination of technical skills, artistry, professionalism, dedication, and networking.  In today’s episode, we sit down with Renée Jaworski, the Executive Director and Co-Artistic Director of the rebellious dance company, Pilobolus, as she shares her experience working there throughout her illustrious 20+ year career and unpacks the magic of creativity, risk, collaboration, artistic expression, and the value of hard work. Hear why she began pursuing dance and being a performer, the lessons she learned working for a company, the emotional struggles of learning the business end of dance, and how she forged ahead in her dance career while also a mother.  We discuss how she integrates her various passions into dance, how Pilobolus acts as a gateway to the art form, why you should not take dance too seriously, her upcoming projects, and much more. Tune in, and discover industry insights and the value of pursuing your dreams with Renée Jaworski.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Background about Renée and how she became interested in dance.
• The influence attending the University of the Arts had on her.
• Why she chose to be a performer as opposed to continuing in academia.
• Her experience transitioning from being a student to working for a company.
• How she juggled pursuing a career with raising a family.
• The motivation behind joining the Pilobolus team.
• Find out why she has chosen to stay at Pilobolus for most of her career.
• We discuss Pilobolus’s reputation and the collaboration with the rock band OKGo.
• What it takes to make collaborations work and complete projects.
• The biggest challenges and highlights of her career.
• Learn about her past, current, and exciting upcoming projects.

“As I am getting older I am realizing that the more we can have those role models in place who have [raised a family while working] and want to support people who want to [have a family] the more the art form is going to thrive.” — Renée Jaworski

RENÉE JAWORSKI (Executive Director / Co-Artistic Director) has had an extensive creative career working with Pilobolus since 2000 and in 2011 was honored to have been chosen by the founding Artistic Directors to lead Pilobolus into and beyond it’s post succession evolution. She served as choreographer and creator for exciting projects and collaborations for stage, film and video such as the 79th Annual Academy Awards, the Grammy® nominated video for OKGo’s All is Not Lost, Radiolab Live: In the Dark, World Science Festival; Time and the Creative Cosmos and works with myriad outside artists through the International Collaborators Project, as well as overseeing the daily functioning and longterm planning for the company’s creative endeavors. As a teacher she facilitates workshops and group projects in diverse communities with dancers and non-dancers alike. In 2010, her alma mater honored her with the University of the Arts Silver Star Alumni Award for her work as an artist in the field of dance. She has performed and toured the world with Momix and Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company. Renée lives in Connecticut with her husband and a menagerie of animals.

Upcoming: March 12, 2023 NJPAC Performance + Ticketing

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

PODCAST 151: Lynn Peterson and Kate Sutter

Release Date: 2.27.23

TO DOWNLOAD PODCAST OR LISTEN:

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Sharing the Power of Dance with Lynn Peterson and Kate Sutter

The power of dance can be harnessed and shared with people from all walks of life. The connection facilitated by the art form is undeniable when witnessing the fortuitous friendship between Lynn Peterson and Kate Sutter. The two visionary leaders behind SYREN Modern Dance join us today to share their respective dance journeys, and the process of starting, sustaining, and now celebrating 20 years of SYREN. We learn about their roles in the organization and their principal source of inspiration, as well as their intention to share the value of modern dance as widely as they can. Lynn and Kate always have been and always will be dedicated to dance and, in this episode, we are reminded of the importance of placing creativity at the center of any art form, despite the distraction of building a business around it. Tune in for this inspirational conversation with two women who didn’t idly wait for opportunities to come their way, but rather seized the reins and did it their way!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kate and Lynn’s respective dance backgrounds, and what initially drew them to dance.
• The process of starting SYREN Modern Dance together.
• The various jobs they’ve done along the way to support their dance careers.
• SYREN’s development over the years.
• Kate’s role in the company and what gives her the most energy in her role.
• Lynn’s college audition and selection process.
• How Kate and Lynn connected and how it transferred to their work.
• What caused them to make the intentional shift to stop auditioning and start Syren.
• Their intention to share the value of modern dance.
• The story behind the name, Syren.
• Their growth strategies for the organization and the challenges they’ve encountered.
• How they’ve merged dance and science.
• SYREN’s current projects and plans for the future.
• The power of dance and the source of Lynn and Kate’s inspiration.

“The past five years have really started to feel like we have this organization that is being supported by many different prongs of programming, and the cycles of inspiration and work continue to feed each other and grow.” — Kate Sutter

SYREN Modern Dance is a New York City based company Co-founded by Lynn Peterson and Kate Sutter. Now celebrating its 20th year of sharing dance, SYREN exists to embrace dance as a conduit of connection, communication, curiosity, and collaboration.

In February 2022, SYREN performed on behalf of the U.S. State Department as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador at Expo 2020 Dubai (the first “World’s Fair” ever held in the Middle East).

SYREN has shared dance where people gather in classrooms, theaters, churches, temples, over Zoom, in the grass, in art galleries, libraries, and museums in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., Texas, Rhode Island, Ohio, and Paris, France.

In addition to hundreds of individuals, SYREN has received support from Mid Atlantic Arts through USArtists International, a program in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Trust of Mutual Understanding, Aleph Fund, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Dance/NYC, Jewish Community Fund, and Queens Council on the Arts, Particle Fever, Harkness Space Grants (92nd Street Y), The Chelsea Art Museum, and by residencies at DanceNOW/NYC’s Silo and DTW’s Outer/Space.

SYREN has been exploring the intersection of science and art since 2015, which led to the premiere of “Red and Blue, Bitter and Sweet” in 2017. This dance was inspired by quantum mechanics, specifically entanglement, uncertainty principle, super position, and duality. SYREN’s most recent work “Ticktock” is performed in collaboration with Astrophysicist Paul Sutter, and is an exploration of time using dance and narrative sequences, “Ticktock” has been presented at Expo 2020 Dubai, Bryant Park, Museum of Science-Boston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and New England Biolabs. In an effort to share the process of this intersection of science and art, SYREN created “Science in Motion”, and has since shared it with The American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington D.C., Society of Physics Students at NYU, Women in Physics at Yale, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, American Physical Society’s New England Conference, IONA College, The Chapin School, St. Paul’s School for Girls, Cambridge Science Festival, High Tech High School, OSU Dance Department, The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, and Girl’s Inc. of NY.

In New York City, SYREN has been presented by Gibney Dance Center, Bach Vespers at Holy Trinity, Green Space, Arts on Site, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Riverside Theatre, Symphony Space, 92ND Street Y, Dance Theater Workshop, Dixon Place, Queens Theatre in the Park, d.u.m.b.o. Arts Under the Bridge Festival, and St. Mark’s Church.

SYREN has self-produced performances at Baryshnikov Arts Center, The Ailey Citigroup Theater, University Settlement, John Jay Theater, and St. Francis Xavier. SYREN’s visual arts partnership with The Art Students League of New York was exhibited at The Office of the Manhattan Borough President.

SYREN’s commissioned work by composer Galeet Dardashti was presented by JCC of Manhattan, 92Y Tribeca, and Le Poisson Rouge.

SYREN has worked with students in NYC at P.S. 123, Ballet Tech, Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, and Mark Morris Dance Center.

Outside of New York City, SYREN’s has also been presented by Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Cité Universitaire in Paris, Purchase College, Bach Society of Houston, Sacred Music at the Red Door, Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival, White Plains Performing Arts Center, Educational Center for the Arts, New Haven Ballet, and Grounds for Sculpture, among others.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

SYREN Modern Dance

SYREN on Instagram

Lynn Peterson on Instagram

Kate Sutter on LinkedIn

PODCAST 150: Alessandra Corona

Release Date: 2.6.23

TO DOWNLOAD PODCAST OR LISTEN:

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A Legacy of Dance with Alessandra Corona

Today’s episode is sure to inspire you! Joining us in conversation today, we have a joyful spirit, Alessandra Corona. Tuning in, you’ll hear about her time as a principal dancer for Ballet Hispánico, overcoming a language barrier, and falling in love with modern dance. Alessandra shares how Ann Reinking was a revolutionary influence on her, and invited her to join the international Fosse tour. Alessandra’s life took an unexpected twist when she started her own dance company, Alessandra Corona Performing Works; hear the story of what motivated her to take the plunge, how her dancers made it possible, and so much more during this motivational episode. Thanks for listening!

“Fosse was something I never expected would happen in my career. All I wanted to be was a concert dancer, that’s it! In the modern company I was obsessed with contemporary work and modern work, but I was not thinking about Broadway!”

Key Points From This Episode:

• The story of how Alessandra first became interested in dance.
• Going to Rome alone to pursue her dream after attempting to study to be a dance teacher.
• Why modern dance is her number one favorite way to perform.
• Auditioning for Ballet Hispánico.
• Moving to New York, learning English, and how dance saved Alessandra.
• Why Ballet Hispánico was so challenging and why she loved it.
• The influence that Ann Reinking had on Alessandra and joining the international Fosse Tour.
• What motivated Alessandra to start a company.
• Dancing at the age of 60 and the many different ways you can be on stage.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Alessandra Corona

Alessandra Corona Performing Works on Instagram

Alessandra Corona Performing Works on Facebook

Ballet Hispanico

Ann Reinking

BIO: Alessandra Corona is from Cagliari Italy (Sardinia) and was trained in ballet at the national Ballet Academy in Rome.She toured internationally for 5 years as a principal dancer with Renato Greco Dance Company at prestigious theaters such as Brooklyn Academy of music in New York.  After moving to New York, Alessandra was a principal dancer with Ballet Hispanico for 15 years, originating roles in ballets by renowned European and American choreographers.  Ann Reinking selected Alessandra as a principal dancer for 2 years in the international tour company of the musical “Fosse” which was performed in Europe and Asia, including 7 weeks of touring performances in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka (Japan). She has performed as a guest artist at various international dance festivals, including “Notte di Stelle” at the historical Amphitheatre in Cagliari (Italy), Villa Pamphili summer festival in Rome, Seattle international dance festival, Jacob’s Pillow festival, kick-off festival at the Lincoln Center Theater, City Center “Encore” season with the production of the Richard Rogers musical “No Strings”.  In 2012 Ms. Corona founded “Alessandra Corona Performing Works LTD” where she directs and performs in her own productions.

PODCAST 149: Dante Puleio and Michelle Preston 

Release Date: 1.23.23

TO DOWNLOAD PODCAST OR LISTEN:

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Sustaining the Legacy of the Limón Dance Company with Dante Puleio and Michelle Preston

The Limón Dance Company is approaching its 75th anniversary and in today’s episode, we are joined by its Artistic Director, Dante Puleio, and Executive Director, Michelle Preston. Dante and Michelle’s passion for their work is palpable and over the next few years they plan to inject new energy into Limón while also preserving the company’s rich heritage. Tune in today to hear how dance changed the lives of these two guests, the journeys that led them to their current positions at Limón, and how, through marrying their different skill sets, they hope to enhance and empower the legacy of this institution. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dante shares an overview of his journey to becoming a professional dancer.
• Factors that make the Limón technique unique.
• How dancing (and moving to London) changed Dante’s life. 
• How Dante became part of the Limón Dance Company.
• Some of Dante’s favorite side hustles. 
• The topic of Dante’s master’s thesis. 
• The new role that Dante took on in 2020. 
• Dante shares the biggest challenges and biggest joys of his dancing career.
• Michelle’s introduction to dancing.
• The realization that Michelle came to after four years of intensive artistic study.
• Why Michelle moved to New York, and her feelings about this decision.
• Michelle’s first job out of Brooklyn College, and the jobs she held subsequently. 
• Dante’s approach to fulfilling his role as Artistic Director of the Limón Dance Company. 
• What Michelle’s position as Executive Director of the Limón Dance Company entails. 
• How Michelle and Dante work together to realize the vision of the Limón Dance Company.
• Exciting plans for the Limón Dance Company in 2023.
• How Michelle wants to see the non-profit space evolve.
• The vision behind Dante’s 7-year artistic plan. 

“I wasn’t really taking good care of myself emotionally or physically and when I started dancing, that’s when I woke up and started to find that I had a purpose.” — Dante Puleio

“In many ways, if you look at the legacy companies, I think that [the Limón Dance Company] showed dance companies how to move past that original founder in a smart, stable way. Sometimes I think that this organization doesn’t get enough credit for that.” — Michelle Preston 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Limón Dance Company

Limón Dance on Instagram

Dante Puleio Website

Dante Puleio on Instagram

Michelle Preston on LinkedIn

BIO

Dante Puleio, A widely respected former member of the Limón Dance Company for more than a decade, Puleio was appointed the sixth Artistic Director in the Company’s 75-year history, a position that originated with Doris Humphrey. Puleio, a Medici Scholar, began professional dance training in London, UK at the Laban Centre and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, UK. He graduated with a BFA from University of the Arts in Philadelphia and an MFA from University of California, Irvine. Puleio had a diverse performing career as a soloist and principal with the Limón Dance Company, touring the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He worked with choreographic leaders in the field such as Donald McKayle and Murray Louis and has performed and restaged masterpieces created by the founders of modern dance. His career also spanned national and international tours of Broadway shows, film and television. He was featured in the “The Who’s Tommy”,  LifetimeTV’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance” and most recently in Noah Baumbach’s award winning “White Noise” on Netflix. Before moving into leadership with the Limón Dance Company, Puleio held professorship positions at a variety of prestigious research-one universities throughout the United States. As Director his research focuses on contextualizing mid 20th century dance for the contemporary artist and audience. He is committed to implementing his research by celebrating José Limón’s historical legacy and reimagining his intention and vision to reflect the rapidly shifting 21st century landscape.

BIO

Michelle Preston began her career in arts administration at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra before coming to New York City where she has worked with Urban Bush Women, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and the School of American Ballet. She began at SITI Company in 2012 as the Deputy Director and served as Executive Director from 2014-2022.  While at SITI, Michelle produced 9 world premieres, 17 domestic and international tours, and 5 New York City seasons. She also led the multi-year strategic planning process that resulted in the SITI Legacy Plan, a comprehensive set of activities meant to celebrate the accomplishments and preserve the legacy of the ensemble before the organized and intentional sunset at the end of 2022.

She holds an M.F.A. in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College and a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Northern Illinois University. Michelle spent six years as an adjunct faculty member for the Brooklyn College Performing Arts Management MFA program teaching fundraising and 18-months serving as the Interim Program Head.  Additionally, she has guest lectured at Bard College, Columbia University, Columbia University Teachers College, Marymount Manhattan, NYU, Playwrights Horizons Theater School, and St. Lawrence University. She has also served as a panelist for the Brooklyn Arts Council Regrant Program, the TCG Global Connections Grant, the ART/NY Nancy Quinn Fund, and the NAMT Innovation & Exploration Fund.

PODCAST 148: Davalois Fearon

Release Date: 1.9.23

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