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

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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: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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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.

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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: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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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.

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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.

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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: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast

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