The Dance Maker Podcast

In this episode of the Dance Maker Podcast, host ⁠Michele Painter⁠ engages with Audrey Baran, a Filipina-American dance maker, performer, educator and director of Baran Dance. Her work has been featured at the ⁠⁠Small Plates Choreography Festival⁠⁠s in North Carolina and New York. In this episode, we explore her artistic journey and the personal experiences that have influenced her creative process in choreography. Audrey speaks on her collaborative process, which involves working and choreographing with a diverse community of dancers. This episode provides a compelling look at how choreographers can use personal life experiences and human relationships to create dances that are emotionally accessible to community audiences.

Learn more about Audrey Baran and Baran Dance by visiting https://baran.dance/ and following their IG account @barandance.

You can also visit our website www.smallplatesdance.com⁠ for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate. Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.

Photos: Butch Delatina (Audrey Baran) and Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212

Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

In this episode of the Dance Maker Podcast, host Jennifer Williams engages with Austin-based choreographer Emily Rushing, whose work was featured at the ⁠Small Plates Choreography Festival⁠. In this powerful episode, we explore her artistic journey and the personal experiences that have influenced her creative process in choreography. Rushing reveals how her recent personal encounters with grief and her fascination with certain aspects of nature documentaries inspired her poignant work, Spore. This intimate conversation delves into the complexities and healing aspects of creating art that is deeply rooted in vulnerability and community. This episode provides a compelling look at how choreographers transform life experiences into movement, using dance as a powerful tool for healing and connection.

Learn more about Emily Rushing at https://emily-rushing.com/

Please visit our website, ⁠www.smallplatesdance.com⁠ for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.

Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.

Photo: Sarah Annie Navarrete

Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

In this heartfelt episode of the Dance Maker podcast, host Beth McKee Elliott speaks with Jeanna Vance, executive director of Open Sky Arts Collective, about her choreographic work A Distant Welcome. Jeanna shares her journey from classical ballet to community-centered dance, and how faith, vulnerability, and dreams shape her creative process. They discuss the emotional and spiritual depth behind her piece, the power of collaborative rehearsal, and the importance of authenticity in both dance and life. This episode is a rich exploration of how choreography becomes a vessel for connection, longing, and transformation.

Learn more about Jeanna Vance and Open Sky Arts Collective at https://www.openskyarts.com/

Please visit our website, ⁠www.smallplatesdance.com⁠ for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.

Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.

Photo: Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212

Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

In Episode 18 of the Dance Maker podcast, host Jennifer Williams interviews emerging choreographer Reisa DiNatale, whose work was featured at the Small Plates Choreography Festival. Reisa reflects on her journey in dance, detailing the experiences that have shaped her into the choreographer and performer she is today. She delves into her creative process and the inspiration behind her large ensemble work, In Cold Blood, which examines themes of betrayal and the intricacies of human relationships. The episode reveals how DiNatale's commitment and vision infused the piece with emotional resonance and unity, leaving a lasting impact on both the audience and the dancers. Throughout the discussion, Reisa's fervor for choreography shines through, along with her ambition to continue crafting and showcasing significant dance pieces.

Please visit our website, ⁠www.smallplatesdance.com⁠ for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate. 

Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.

Photo: Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212

Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

In this episode of the Dance Maker podcast, host Beth McKee Elliott speaks with 17-year-old choreographer Alexandra Bark about her journey into dance-making through the Barefoot Dance Center in the Hudson Valley. 

Alex shares how she gained confidence over time and developed her voice as an artist, culminating in her piece Peapod, a duet exploring the emotional complexities of mother-daughter relationships during her mother’s health challenges. They reflect on the value of youth choreography, the power of dance as a vulnerable, expressive medium, and the importance of expanding opportunities for young choreographers. 

The episode highlights Alex’s thoughtful, mature artistic process and her aspirations to continue creating and dancing in college and beyond.

Alex also shared her thoughts about being part of Small Plates Choreography Festival on our blog. You can read inspiring testimonial HERE.

Alex will be performing and presenting work at the Barefoot Dance Center’s 22nd Annual Student Dance Concert on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at The Quimby Theater on SUNY Ulster’s campus.  The concert showcases original works by Barefoot Dance Center students and professional choreographers in a community-centered, celebratory environment. The concert is open to the public and tickets are available HERE.

Please visit our website, ⁠www.smallplatesdance.com⁠ for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate. 

Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.

Photo: Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212

Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

In the Season 2 premiere of the Dance Maker podcast, host Beth McKee Elliott reintroduces the show after a three-year hiatus, reflecting on her personal journey through health challenges and the evolution of the Small Plates Choreography Festival.

She shares updates on the festival’s expansion to new cities like Austin, TX and the Outer Banks, NC, and introduces new team members who will help co-host future episodes. The episode emphasizes the podcast’s renewed focus on in-depth conversations with choreographers, exploring their creative processes and inspirations.

Beth also expresses her gratitude to supporters and excitement about the upcoming season.

Beth McKee Elliott is the creator and director of Small Plates Choreography Festival and Haven Movement Company, a Master Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator, and artist.

Please check our website, www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate. Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.

Photo: Brian Wolfe

Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

I'll be taking a break for a few weeks, I'll be back next year.

If you would like to be a guest in the new year, apply HERE

If you would like to be on the email list about the podcast and other offerings from THESE LEGS MUST DANCE you can do so HERE

If you would like to be on the Small Plates Choreography Festival mailing list you can join HERE

To request a session with me, use THIS LINK

A native from Seattle, Mariah Eastman graduated in 2017 with a degree in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University Mariah danced in Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble’s production of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer February 2018. She presented a Chicago debut at J e l l o: Let’s Get Technical (Live from Chicago!) in April 2018. In June she was selected as a choreographer for Project Bound Dance’s One Hour Project. Mariah’s solo “Tidbits and Beginnings” was premiered at Built On Stilts Dance Festival in Martha’s Vineyard. Another of one of her solos “Efforts of Contemplation” was presented at “The Performance Party” at Arts On Site in August 2018. Her piece “Live From Chicago!” was chosen to be performed at Small Plates Choreography Festival in Brooklyn, NY in October 2018. In late October, her solo “A Look in the Mirror” was chosen for the BUILT production at Links Hall in Chicago. This January, her piece “Gesturing Steps” was selected for the Trifecta Dance Collective’s A New Light Choreography Showcase. “Efforts of Contemplation” was chosen through an adjudication process to be performed at Baltimore Dance Invitational in February 2019. It was also selected for the 17th Annual Mid-Atlantic Choreographers Showcase in Richmond, VA. Eastman was also selected to participate as a choreographer for Simantikos 2nd Annual Choreo Kick-off in August 2019. She premiered her first evening length work “Patternalia” in September 2020, a virtual performance exploring the process of dreaming through live dance, dance film and projections. Then in June 2021, she presented Café Cortado, a collaboration with local Chicago coffee shops using live stream dance, recorded interviews and dance film.

Her most current project is the Holiday Dance Carol, in conjunction with Dovetail Dance Studios, Dance on Broadway and Intrigue Dance all in Chicago, IL. Read more HERE and HERE and look for Mariah and dancers to come knocking on your door this holiday season.

Find Mariah online HERE

Instagram @mariahdchoreography

Facebook @mariahdchoreography

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Book a six session package of healing sessions with Beth McKee Elliott, Somatic Practitioner before December 31, 2021.

Jessie Levey is the Founder and Director of Barefoot Dance Center in West Park NY

She was recently awared "Outstanding Dance Educator" by the New York State Dance Education Association

Barefoot Dance Company will be holding a performance on December 11 at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.

This unique company of young dancers will perform several innovative modern dance pieces in a delightful concert.  Bring your kids as the event is family friendly. Audience members of all ages will find the variety of work exciting and inspiring. Part of The CENTER's Saturday Morning Family Series.

Find Barefoot Dance Cennter online

Facebook: @barefootdancecenter 

Instagram: @barefootdancecenter

Twitter: @BarefootDanceNY

Rain Ross is an artist and educator who recognizes that art brings people together to develop and maintain community and give voice. Art is about sharing, communicating, and connecting. Her work has been presented nationally and internationally, and she helped to found and run the International Dance Day Festival in Lebanon which ran for over a decade. She is currently an Associate Professor of Dance at Stockton University.

Instagram: @rainrossdance

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Request a 1:1 Somatic Session with Beth Elliott HERE