MSP 196: Shaping a Life in Dance with Jessica Gaynor

MSP 200: Connecting with the World Through Dance with Kitty McNamee

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 [http://www.themovingarchitects.org/podcasts] For more on Movers & Shapers: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moversandshaperspodcast/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moversandshaperspodcast] 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 [https://www.viewcy.com/event/where_she_once_stood_1]

MSP 199: Balancing Dance and Academia with Bhumi B Patel

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 [http://www.themovingarchitects.org/podcasts] Connect with us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moversandshaperspodcast] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moversandshaperspodcast/]

MSP 198: Starting with the Heart with Winifred Haun

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 [https://www.themovingarchitects.org/podcasts] More on Wini: Winifred Haun and Dancers [https://www.winifredhaun.org] Connect with Movers & Shapers on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moversandshaperspodcast] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moversandshaperspodcast/]

MSP 197: Making Dance Performance 'Fun' with David Parker

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 [https://www.themovingarchitects.org/podcasts] More on David Parker: The Bang Group [https://www.thebanggroup.com] Follow the podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moversandshaperspodcast/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moversandshaperspodcast]

MSP 196: Shaping a Life in Dance with Jessica Gaynor

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 [https://www.themovingarchitects.org/podcasts] Follow the podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moversandshaperspodcast/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moversandshaperspodcast]