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

Follow us for the latest on Instagram and Facebook!

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

Follow us for the latest on Instagram and Facebook!

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

For the latest, follow us on Instagram & Facebook

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