Amber Sloan's life in dance has unfolded through curiosity, community, and constant reinvention. Growing up in Virginia, her early exposure to improvisation and composition in high school sparked not just a love of movement but a way of thinking that would shape her future. Her time at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign deepened that foundation and connected her with the people and places that helped her put down artistic roots. From piecing together income through unexpected jobs, to choreographing for the Joyce SoHo and seeking to scale her work in the years leading up to the pandemic, Amber has never shied away from the uncomfortable or the uncertain. She's navigated performance anxiety, surgery and recovery, and the challenge of being involved in many facets of the dance world, from performing with David Parker to presenting work through platforms like Women in Motion. Today, with recent pieces like her show at Kestrels (set to return next year), she continues to build a career that defies the assumptions people often make about a life in dance. At the heart of it all is a simple, lasting dream: to keep exploring alongside the dancers who move her work forward. Thanks for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Amber Sloan's upbringing in Virginia and her introduction to dance.

• How early experiences of improv and composition in high school shaped her career.

• Continuing her dance journey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

• How the connections she made while studying helped her develop roots in dance.

• Working various jobs to pay the bills, including a role for Harvey Keitel's wife.

• Choreographing for the Joyce SoHo.

• Making an effort to do her work in a bigger way pre-pandemic.

• Navigating performance anxiety and doing what is uncomfortable.

• Being involved in many different areas of dance.

• How a 2015 surgery and recovery impacted Amber's career.

• Dancing for David Parker: rehearsals, footwork, and more.

• Amber's presenting work, including Women in Motion and more.

• Recent work including a show at Kestrels which will show again next year.

• Why a life in dance is often not what you might expect.

• Her ultimate dream for her work.

Amber Sloan is a choreographer, performer, teacher, and producer based in Jersey City and the New York City area.

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MSP 188: Attuning to the Beauty of Passion with Sara Veale

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.
• 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.

"The coolest thing ever is to be good at something and be passionate about it and to throw your whole body and soul into it." — Sara Veale

For more on Sara and Show Notes & Links: The Moving Architects

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The Curiosity That Moves Us with Ann Carlson

At the heart of every great artistic work is the exploration of curiosity and a commitment to the process of creation. Today on Movers & Shapers, Ann Carlson joins us to discuss her illustrious career in interdisciplinary arts and shares the deep curiosity she possesses about movement, meaning, and the human experience, with work borrowing from the disciplines of dance and performance as well as visual, conceptual, and social art practices.

In this conversation, Ann reflects on how she first discovered her love of dance, how working with Meredith Monk and exploring performance art shaped her creativity, and the thriving performance scenes in NYC in the 90s that opened doors for experimentation. She shares the inspiration behind her work with animals, the reality of supporting herself financially as an artist, and how she navigated motherhood and her dance career. She also dives into the delicate marriage between process and product in creation before discussing her dance project, The Symphonic Body. Finally, Ann reveals what is piquing her interest today and shares a glimpse of what the future will hold for her in her career. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief overview of today's guest, Ann Carlson, and how she found her love of dance.
• How performance art and working with Meredith Monk inspired Ann's own creations.
• Cross-connecting dance with other performance scenes during her time in NYC.
• What inspired Ann's animal series and how she managed to support herself.
• How Ann's dance career pivoted when she started a family.
• The beautiful amalgamation of process and product in dance creation.
• What Ann learned about art from the poet Allen Ginsberg.
• Ann looks back on her career and some of the most meaningful projects she did.
• Ann tells us what she is curious about today and what her next project will be.

Ann is the recipient of numerous awards for her artistic work, including a Creative Capital Award, a Doris Duke Award for Performing Artists, a National Dance Project Award, two American Masters awards, a USA Artist Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, a Fellowship from the Foundation for Contemporary Art, and more!

For more on Ann and Show Notes & Links: The Moving Architects

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Welcome to a new season of Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast, hosted by Erin Carlisle Norton, choreographer and Artistic Director of The Moving Architects. In this update episode, Erin shares what she's been up to, including the company's site-specific project Where She Once Stood, which brought Montclair's Crane House & Historic YWCA to life through dance, history, and storytelling.

This podcast is made possible this season by The Ohio State University Dance Department's Dance Preservation Grant and a generous anonymous donor. Special thanks to both for supporting the podcast and helping preserve and share dance stories with artists and audiences everywhere.

Erin also previews the season ahead, featuring interviews with dancers, choreographers, and leaders shaping contemporary dance today. Tune in for stories, insights, and artistry that continue to inspire, guide, encourage, and connect the dance community.

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Learn more about The Moving Architects' recent dance project "Where She Once Stood" and preview "Where She Once Stood" on State of the Arts.

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Summer podcast announcement from host and Artistic Director of The Moving Architects Erin Carlisle Norton.

Support this one-of-a-kind podcast with a tax-deductible donation! themovingarchitects.org/support

Movers & Shapers is celebrating 10 years of podcasting! Connect with our archive of nearly 200 interivews: themovingarchitects.org/podcasts

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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 thINKingDANCE!

Learn more about this episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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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 Mosaic Dance Theater Company.

Samara Adell is Artistic Director for Dance & Choreographer of Mosaic Dance Theater Company.

For more on this episode, Morgiana, and Samara: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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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: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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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: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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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 L.A. Contemporary Dance Company.

"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: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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