Sometimes you can get everything you want as a dancer, only to discover the reality is quite different from what you imagined it would be. In this episode, author and former dancer, Rym Kechacha, shares how that realization shaped her own journey, from early ballet training in London to dancing professionally with Northern Ballet, where touring life was both joyful and intensely demanding. She reflects on what it felt like to end her career as a dancer earlier than expected, and how that ending opened the door to a new creative identity. Rym traces her path into teaching, studying creative writing, and eventually publishing fiction, shaped by a lifelong love of books and fantasy. Our conversation explores her latest novel, The Apple and the Pearl, a ballet-inspired fantasy that captures both the beauty and cruelty of the stage world, blending realism with folkloric and fantastical elements. Thoughtful and candid about reinvention, artistry, and creative freedom, Rym offers her insights on what happens when one dream ends and another begins. Listen in for a rich discussion on dance, writing, and the stories that carry us forward!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Rym's upbringing in London and her love of dance from a young age.

• How she persuaded her parents to let her attend ballet school at age 16.

• The demanding daily schedule of life at Central School of Ballet.

• Figuring out her plans after Ballet School and how her love of story ballets guided her.

• How she joined Northern Ballet and what it was like touring with the company.

• The serious impact of arts funding cuts and austerity measures in 2010.

• Losing her place at Northern Ballet: why it was both sad and liberating.

• What Rym did next in her career: travelling, au pairing, and becoming a teacher.

• How she rediscovered writing, earned her creative writing MA, and published her first novel.

• Reflections on the challenges of publishing and how ballet prepares you for rejection.

• Her experience writing her latest book, The Apple and The Pearl, and how it relates to ballet.

• A closer look at her upcoming novels, from Algerian history to London folklore and fantasy.

Rym Kechacha is a former dancer, now writer from London, UK.

For more on Rym & this episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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So much of what validates the human experience is the ability to collaborate and connect with other people in the world, and today's guest has managed to do that through dance! Kitty McNamee joins us today to talk about her impressive career and how she found success despite limitations. Kitty was first drawn to the escapism element of musical movies and the wordless expression of dance, and although she started dancing late, she was accepted to Houston's performing arts high school. In this conversation, you'll hear all about how starting dance at the age of 16 made her even more passionate because she really had to fight for success. Kitty goes on to talk about how she started choreographing and touches on her choreographic voice and style before sharing the importance of community and relationships in this industry. Kitty even tells us about the projects she is most proud of and teases what we can look forward to seeing from her in the future. From dance films to documentaries to pop-up performances by LA artists, music videos with Laura Marling, and operas, Kitty's career is truly an amalgamation of different art forms and a testimony to the power of collaboration with other artists. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief introduction to today's guest, Kitty McNamee.

• Where she's from and how she became interested in dance.

• Kitty's experience at Houston's performing arts high school.

• Her physical limitations and why she thought she should be an actress.

• Choreographing for Open Fist and starting her own dance company.

• Kitty describes her choreographic voice, movement themes, and influences.

• How her career progressed and how community and relationships kept her going.

• Her transition into working in dance films and how she got into that.

• Kitty tells us about her latest documentary project, Citizen, and her involvement.

• What LA POPS UP is and what inspired Kitty to create it.

• Her work with Laura Marling and what it's been like to work in different kinds of spaces.

• Kitty shares her favorite dance projects and what she is most proud of.

• What we can look forward to from Kitty's career in the future.

For more on this episode: The Moving Architects

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For in-person and virtual film screening tickets to The Moving Architects' Where She Once Stood: The Women of the Crane House & Historic YWCA Alive Through Dance

Dance is a beautiful medium to honor the past while building community in the present. Today, we are joined by Bhumi B Patel of Patel Dance Works to discuss her distinguished career. In this episode, you'll hear all about Bhumi's life, her creative interests, her college education at a women's liberal arts institution, her love for constant learning and education, and so much more! We delve into her MFA experience and working through injury before discussing her dissertation on how queer of color performance is informed by improvisational practice and the 'ghosts' of the past. She even tells us about getting her Ph.D. during COVID, what her research was about, and how she managed to finish it in just four years. Lastly, Bhumi tells us how she plans on expanding her dissertation work into a book and what else we can expect from her in the future. From her master's thesis encompassing the upheaval after World War Two, to her deep love for dance writing, Bhumi's talents, interests, and achievements are fascinating! This is a conversation you don't want to miss, so be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Bhumi Patel to the show.

• How she became interested in dance, and why she chose a women's college.

• What inspired Bhumi to pursue a career in dance during her undergrad.

• Bhumi tells us about her master's thesis on Anna Sokolow's Rooms.

• What kept drawing Bhumi back into an academic setting.

• Bhumi's experience doing her MFA at Mills College and her focus on grief.

• Her dissertation on how queer of color performance is informed by improvisation.

• How she advocated for change through writing and starting her dance company.

• Bhumi tells us about the content of her Ph.D. and her determination to finish it fast.

• What she plans to do with her research and her plans for the future.

For more on this podcast episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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If you want long-term success in the dance industry, you need to be very clear on why you're doing it and who it's for above anything else! In this conversation, you'll hear all about Winifred Haun's introduction to dance, how her craft has evolved over the years, some of the incredible dance practitioners she has learned from, how she decided she wanted to dance for her career, and what it was like to start her company, Winifred Haun and Dancers. We delve into the importance of balancing unique ideas with appealing entertainment for audiences before discussing how her company has evolved over the years and how Winifred continues to create work. Winifred goes on to remind us of the power and importance of collaboration in the dance space and shares why she loves mentoring people so much. We even hear about some of the incredible projects she's been part of, including her recurring Community Dancer Project, what making site-specific dance work is like, and what the future holds for her. To hear all this and some pearls of wisdom from this illustrious guest, be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Winifred Haun to this episode of the show.

• Winifred tells us about her dance history and how she became interested in dancing.

• What it was like to balance being a dance apprentice and working other jobs.

• Starting her own company, Winifred Haun and Dancers, and what her focus is.

• How Winifred Haun and Dancers has grown over the years, and where they rehearse.

• The importance of collaboration and mentorship in the dance industry.

• Winifred tells us about her Community Dancer Project and other projects she's done.

• Our guest tells us what it's like to make dance pieces for specific spaces.

• What the future holds for Winifred Haun and Dancers and some advice for young creators.

More on this podcast: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

More on Wini: Winifred Haun and Dancers

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In this episode of Movers & Shapers, we welcome the founder of the Bang Group, David Parker, to talk about his incredible career and how his life and dancing are entwined. Tuning in, you'll hear all about David's life, how a film about the Golden Age of entertainment sparked his love for dance, the training he received, and so much more! David tells us all about his time in New York, his love for tap dancing, and what it was like to experience 'the Dance Boom'. We delve into his decision to start choreographing later in life and how his sexual awakening informed his work before discussing how he combined dancing and acting in his choreography. David goes on to tell us about how choreography became his passion and why he still sees the importance of being able to dance when he wants to, even in his 60s. We even talk about some of the challenges he's faced in his career and touch on some of the highlights of his career. Finally, our guest tells us what he is working on now. To hear all this, and so much more, be sure to press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Where David's from and how he started dancing.

• His time at Bard College and why he decided to leave.

• David touches on his love for tap, in particular, and his rhythmic brain.

• His experience of 'the Dance Boom' in New York.

• Why David only started choreographing in his late 20s.

• Creating work that conveys meaning: acting through dance.

• David tells us about the personal revelation he had about his sexuality.

• Why it is very important for him to be able to dance as well as create.

• Some of the trials and peak moments he's been through in his career.

• What David is working on at the moment.

For more on this Episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

More on David Parker: The Bang Group

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A lifelong devotion to movement can shape not just an artist's career, but an entire community. Today, choreographer, educator, and Artistic Director Jessica Gaynor shares how her path began in gymnastics before finding her true calling in modern dance. From her early days studying with the legendary Alice Teirstein to becoming a mentor and leader in her own right, Jessica's story is one of passion, resilience, and creativity. In our conversation, Jessica reflects on the freedom and self-expression she discovered through improvisation, her formative years studying dance at Brown and CalArts, and the drive that led her to form her own company back in New York. She recalls milestone performances, collaborations with composers, and the challenges of sustaining a company while teaching full-time. Today, her work as Artistic Director of the Young Dancemakers Company continues to empower teens to create original work in partnership with professional composers, carrying forward the legacy of her mentor. Tune in to hear how Jessica has built a multifaceted career in dance, and why she remains committed to creating, teaching, and inspiring the next generation.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jessica's upbringing in NYC and her shift from gymnastics to ballet and modern dance.

• How she found mentorship with Alice Teirstein at the Fieldston School.

• Her love of dance as a form of freedom, self-expression, and community through movement.

• Early influences on her dance career: Pilobolus and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company.

• Studying at Brown, while doing an academic major, repertory works, choreography, and more.

• Graduate training at CalArts, focusing on choreography, performance, and collaboration.

• What it was like returning to NYC and forming a company with fellow dancers.

• Creating evening-length works at Triskelion Arts and touring performances.

• Collaborative works with composers, exploring structure and form.

• Joining the Young Dancemakers Company (YDC) and becoming Artistic Director.

• Leading YDC through the pandemic with Zoom dance films and outdoor shows.

• Jessica's love of teaching and helping teens create original work.

• Rediscovering performance and collaborating with her musician husband.

• Reflections on highlights and challenges while sustaining a career in dance.

For more on the episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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With a heavy heart, KDH Dance Company announced the passing of their fierce founder and dearest friend, Kathy Dunn Hamrick. Kathy has had an enormous impact, with ripples throughout Austin and beyond, as she is loved by so many. The organization is heartbroken, but committed to honoring Kathy and her legacy for years to come. Read more in the KDH Dance Company newsletter.

Today's podcast is a re-airing of an interview with Kathy from 2024.

Kathy Dunn Hamrick was the Artistic Director of Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company, an award-winning modern dance company based in Austin, Texas. Kathy happily committed her professional life to dancing, teaching, choreographing, presenting, mentoring, and advocating for modern dance and dancemakers. She created over 50 dances that have been described as "strikingly athletic and wonderfully expressive," "heavenly," "smart" and "masterly," and garnered numerous recognitions for the dance company, including Austin Critics Table awards for Best Choreographer, Best Dance Concert, Best Dancer, Best Duet, Best Lighting Design, and Best Ensemble. The company has performed throughout Texas as well as in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Toronto, and her "Lake Dances" were featured in Arts + Culture Texas, Arts Journal, and Dance Magazine. Kathy had a BA in Modern Dance from The University of Texas and an MFA in Performance and Choreography from Florida State University. She taught at Florida State, Stephen F. Austin State University, St. Edwards University, The University of Texas, and Austin Community College. She taught modern dance for both recreational and professional dancers at Café Dance; provided professional development for educators; directed artist residencies for high schools and universities; and served as a mentor for Austin Emerging Arts Leaders. In 2015, Kathy founded Austin Dance Festival, an annual modern dance event that hosts professional dance showcases, master classes, and a Youth Edition that includes non-competitive showcases forteens 13-18, a Pro Chat Q&A, and a college fair. In 2018, Kathy was inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame as "a model for the artist who approaches each project in a spirit of experimentation and reinvention."

For more on this episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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From Iowa to Juilliard, from Israel to screens, Bobbi Jene Smith's Journey through dance is anything but ordinary and defies borders and expectations! In this episode, we are joined by internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker Bobbi Jene Smith. Known for her deeply personal and raw approach to movement, Bobbi shares the milestones that shaped her path; from leaving home at the age of 11, to ultimately moving to Israel to join Batsheva Dance Company. Bobbi opens up about the challenges of living abroad and the profound ways in which her relationship with dance evolved through her time in Israel before reflecting on her decision to leave Batsheva and return to the US. We also hear about her transition to dance filmmaking, her current projects, and what it means to her to continuously practice and live through her craft. Finally, Bobbi leaves us with thoughtful reflections on identity, artistry, and her hopes for the future. Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming today's guest, Bobbi Jene Smith.

• Bobbi Jene tells us about her background in dance.

• What the summer program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School was like.

• Moving away from home at the age of 11 and ending up at Juilliard.

• How the Juilliard environment differed from Bobbi's previous studies.

• Bobbi Jene walks us through the logistics of moving to Israel and what it felt like.

• How Bobbi Jene reconnected with her love for dance.

• The challenges that came with being in Israel for so long.

• Bobbi Jene tells us about some of her favorite performances.

• How she decided to leave Batsheva Dance Company and move back to the US.

• The importance of continuously practicing your craft.

• How Bobbi Jene got into creating dance films and what she's working on now.

• What Bobbi Jene's hopes and dreams are for the future.

For more on Bobbi Jene with Show Notes & Links: The Moving Architects

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Morgan Teel is the mind behind Dance Waterloo, an organization making dance more accessible through site specific and site responsive shows in Austin, Texas. During this episode, she joins us to share the story of how she first fell in love with dance, what deepened her knowledge of choreography, and the motivation behind launching Dance Waterloo. Morgan also shares what first drew her to site-specific work and how Austin audiences have embraced it, from intimate community performances to larger shows like Quixotic States at the Zilker Hillside Theatre Stage. We discuss her inventive projects, including a spelling bee themed dance production, and how she works to make the creative process as visible as the final product. Along the way, she reveals where she finds inspiration for her pieces and why accessibility, experimentation, and community connection remain at the heart of her vision for Dance Waterloo's future.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Morgan Teel's introduction to the world of dance as a child.

• Applying for colleges and honing her skills as a choreographer.

• What motivated Morgan to start Dance Waterloo: making dance more accessible.

• Naming Dance Waterloo, fundraising, and putting on their first show under an overpass.

• How dance classes for families allow children to see their parents as equal collaborators.

• The legacy Morgan hopes to build with Dance Waterloo.

• How she is working with Austin's senior population.

• The spelling bee dance production she recently put on.

• Where she finds inspiration for her pieces.

• How she is working to make the process of dance visible beyond the product of it.

• Quixotic States: a dance show at the Zilker Hillside Theatre Stage.

• Plans for the future: dancing with teenagers.

• How Morgan cross-pollinates her skills.

For more on Morgan with Show Notes & Links: The Moving Architects

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Joining Erin on Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast today is Mickela Mallozzi. Mickela is a four-time Emmy® Award–winning host and executive producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, a PBS and Amazon Prime travel series celebrating global dance traditions. A professional dancer and trained musician, she travels the world exploring how everyday people express their cultures through movement. In today's conversation, Erin and Mickela delve into the origins of her dance journey, how a middle-of-the-night dream blossomed into her life project, Bare Feet, and she recounts the impact of growing up in an immigrant family on both herself and the TV show. Mickela unpacks how she worked hard to get her show off the ground, in the process starting a blog, and emphasizes the weight of storytelling in producing the episodes. She touches on what it's like going into different cultural settings, how she has overcome challenges throughout the year, and when she realized that Bare Feet was more than just a travel show! To hear more about Mickela's incredible journey, including how she navigated the ins and outs of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what hopes and dreams are coming into fruition in the near future, be sure not to miss out on another insightful episode. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Mickela shares the origins of who she is and her dance journey.

• How she took a middle-of-the-night dream and made it an award-winning TV Show reality.

• She recounts growing up in an immigrant family with an amazing storytelling Nonnapina.

• Mickela talks about Bare Feet, the TV Show, and the features of immigrant families in NYC.

• "The Plan" before Bare Feet came to be.

• Mickela shares how dance returned to her life.

• She tells the story of getting Bare Feet off the ground and ultimately starting her blog.

• The story of sneaking into a PBS conference and how it panned out.

• Mickela emphasizes the weight of storytelling on Bare Feet.

• The importance of working hard and intentionally pursuing what you're called to do.

• She talks about the hard juxtaposition of finding funding and support for the show.

• Mickela breaks down what it's like going into culturally different communities and learning from the people, the dances, and the spaces.

• The difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation.

• Overcoming challenges throughout the years: Mickela shares a real-life example of "figuring it out."

For more on Mickela with Show Notes & Links: The Moving Architects

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