Moving Moments

Hey listeners, I'm here with some super exciting news—Moving Moments is hosting a LIVE taping of the podcast and you're invited! Mark your calendars now: When: Wednesday, April 17th at 7:30pm Where: Lincoln Center's David Rubenstein Atrium on West 62nd Street in NYC. And, best of all, it's FREE! No tickets are needed–just show up! For more info, check out Lincoln Center's event page here. I can't wait to see you there! 💜 Alicia Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey listeners! We're bringing you another podcast from Artful Narratives Media that we think you'll love: Speaking Soundly. This show is your ticket to backstage conversations with world-renowned musicians. Join Metropolitan Opera Principal Trumpet David Krauss for candid and compelling discussions with today's top performers as they speak about their creative process and lives as artists. About this episode: Despite multiple injuries, a pivot to seek out a degree from Columbia University, and a burgeoning corporate career, Alicia Graf Mack was always destined to be in the dance world. As the youngest and first woman of color to be the Dean and Director of Dance at the Juilliard School, Alicia aims to break the cookie-cutter mold by embracing dancers of different body types and skin tones. Be sure to check out more Speaking Soundly episodes wherever you get your podcasts! Speaking Soundly and Moving Moments are productions of Artful Narratives Media. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Speaking Soundly theme song is used by permission of Videohelper. Speaking Soundly was co-created by Jessica Handelman and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israeli choreographer and dancer Ohad Naharin was the Artistic Director of the internationally celebrated Batsheva Dance Company for nearly three decades before assuming his current title of House Choreographer. During his tenure with Batsheva, he developed Gaga, the innovative movement language and pedagogy that has defined the company's training and characterizes Israeli contemporary dance. Ohad discusses his relationship to Maxim Waratt and creating music, describes what it was like to work with famed modern dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, and shares why he feels rehearsing in front of mirrors is not as helpful as many dancers think. Check out Batsheva Dance Company on Instagram or the web. Learn more about the Gaga movement language on Instagram and the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artistic Director of Pacific Northwest Ballet and Director of the company's affiliated school, Peter Boal was a Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet for over 20 years. Peter shares with Alicia the importance of moving to Fleetwood Mac in his childhood living room, how he lived a "double life" until classmates saw him perform in The Nutcracker, and what it was like to learn from famed dancer, choreographer, and director Jerome Robbins. He also discusses his arrival at PNB, how he has worked to broaden audience involvement and widen the company's approach to inclusivity. Peter discusses his new memoir and gives Alicia a valuable parenting tip. Check out Peter Boal on Instagram. To learn more about Peter, read his memoir Illusions of Camelot. Learn more about Pacific Northwest Ballet on Instagram and the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Second soloist with the Boston Ballet Michaela Mabinty DePrince has a personal journey to the stage that is nothing short of inspiring. Michaela describes her astonishing childhood in her homeland of war-torn Sierra Leone and how dance helped quiet the chaos of her life and ultimately gave her freedom. Michaela describes the importance of authenticity, what it means to wear tights of her own skin tone, and how she questioned her identity outside the dance world after an injury. Check out Michaela Mabinty DePrince on Instagram or the web. To learn more about Michaela, read her memoir Taking Flight. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder and Artistic Director of the Evidence Dance Company, Ronald K. Brown deftly fuses traditional African dances with modern dance styles. Despite having suffered from a debilitating stroke in 2021, he continues to choreograph and teach, inspiring generations of artists. Alicia recalls the pivotal role Ron played in her career as a professional performer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and he shares his memories of dancing everywhere as a child. Ron discusses how he went from wanting to be a journalist and a performer to becoming a choreographer, and reveals his love for telling stories and social dance. Check out Ronald K. Brown and Evidence Dance Company on Instagram or the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Princess Grace Award winner Ashton Edwards was promoted to the corps at the Pacific Northwest Ballet in 2022. Ashton is challenging traditional gender roles at the professional level and shifting industry standards, paving the way for a new generation of dancers. Ashton recalls the first time they performed in the Balanchine style, the importance of meeting Peter Boal and joining PNB, and why Covid was the most consequential time in their training. Ashton also describes putting on pointe shoes and finding the right fit, the responsibility they feel to carry on the legacy of excellence in the field, and their hopes for the future of the ballet world. Check out Ashton Edwards on Instagram. Learn more about Pacific Northwest Ballet on Instagram and the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After two decades as an acclaimed dancer and star of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Jamar Roberts is one of today's most sought-after choreographers. The Bessie Award winner has created commissions for the Ailey company, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and The Juilliard School, just to name a few. Jamar recalls how his early obsession with music made him want to move, candidly shares the challenges of learning to be an artist, and discusses how he developed his choreographic voice. Alicia surprises Jamar with a treasured gift he made for her years ago and explains her thoughts behind matching his energy when they were dance partners at Ailey. Check out Jamar Roberts on Instagram and the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Executive Director of the Baryshnikov Arts Center Sonja Kostich was a celebrated dancer at American Ballet Theatre and Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project. After 20 years as a professional dancer, Sonja shifted her focus to arts administration with roles at Mark Morris Dance Group, New York City Center, and Kaatsbaan Cultural Park. She shares with Alicia why she decided to go to business school and how leading an organization and being a dancer are quite similar in their collaborative nature. Check out Sonja Kostich on Instagram. Learn more about Baryshnikov Arts on Instagram, Facebook, and the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Judith Jamison is a Kennedy Center Honoree and Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People in the World. She tells Alicia what it was like to work with Mr. Ailey, how she originated one of the most important and enduring works of modern and contemporary dance history, and one of her proudest accomplishments. Check out Judith Jamison on the web. Learn more about Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Award winner and Resident Choreographer at New York City Ballet Justin Peck is also a celebrated director, filmmaker, and dancer. Hailed as a prodigy, Justin has created over 50 dance works with more than 20 for City Ballet alone, as well as collaborated with Stephen Spielberg. Alicia and Justin talk about the New Dances program at Juilliard, Justin's connection to music in his work, and why he finds the Anytune Pro app so valuable in creating new dances. He shares how his position at City Ballet allowed him to take greater risks in his career, the differences between choreographing for film and for the stage, and the importance of learning something new when taking on new commissions. Check out Justin Peck on Instagram or the web. Learn more about New York City Ballet on the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Principal Dancer with Alonzo King LINES Ballet Adji Cissoko attended the Ballet Academy Munich and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre in New York City on a full scholarship before joining the National Ballet of Canada. Adji shares with Alicia how she fell in love with classical ballet at a young age, and ultimately appreciated her musicality, joyful soul, and long limbs as a natural fit for the improvisational work of the LINES company. She describes the adjustment from dancing with a large ballet company to a significantly smaller one, the overwhelming experience of auditioning for Alonzo, and how she is her happiest and performs her best when she is not trying to be like anyone else. Check out Adji Cissoko on Instagram or on the web. Learn more about Alonzo King LINES Ballet on the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with more inspiring conversations featuring New York City Ballet's Resident Choreographer Justin Peck, Alvin Ailey's Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison, Second Soloist with the Boston Ballet Michaela Mabinty DePrince, Batsheva Dance Company's House Choreographer Ohad Naharin, and many more! Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renowned dancer Michael Novak rose to prominence when he became the second Artistic Director in the history of Paul Taylor Dance Company, where he is working to preserve and expand upon the legacy of his predecessor. Michael shares how a speech impediment at age 12 rendered him nearly mute and how dance became his outlet for expression, why he gave up a career on stage at age 21, and how Paul Taylor’s style and aesthetic ultimately inspired him to return to a life in dance. Check out Michael Novak on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about Paul Taylor Dance Company on the web, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American dancer Bobbi Jene Smith spent nearly a decade with the Israeli company Batsheva, before expanding upon her own solo work and choreographic career. Bobbi Jene discusses her start as a serious gymnast and how she fell in love with dance, leading her to study at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, North Carolina School for the Arts, and the Juilliard School, where she met Ohad Naharin. Bobbi Jene shares what inspires her to create and collaborate and the importance of making a piece of work personal and universal. Check out Bobbi Jene Smith on Instagram. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder and Artistic Director of the dance company A.I.M, Kyle Abraham is an acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and a MacArthur "Genius Grant" Fellow. In addition to performing and developing new works for his company, Kyle has been commissioned by companies including the Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Kyle talks with Alicia about overcoming stage fright, working with choreographer Bill T. Jones, and changing the name of his dance company. Check out Kyle Abraham on Instagram. Check out A.I.M by Kyle Abraham on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet Sara Mearns performs, she goes for broke, thus earning the nickname "Stage Animal" from famed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. The star ballerina shares how she found the bravery to advocate for herself as a student at School of American Ballet, climbing the ranks to become a principal ballerina, and the advice Suzanne Farrell gave her to best prepare for performances. Sara explains how she has learned to maintain her physical and mental health, and her insatiable curiosity to explore modern and contemporary dance, thus earning herself another nickname from Alicia. Check out Sara Mearns on Instagram, YouTube, or at New York City Ballet. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living legend and Kennedy Center Honoree Carmen de Lavallade has had an accomplished career as a dancer, actor, and choreographer. She recalls growing up in East Los Angeles with her friend Alvin Ailey, the early dance classes they took with Lester Horton, and ultimately arriving in New York, where her career flourished. At the age of 92, Carmen continues to inspire and has some simple and powerful advice for young artists. Check out Carmen de Lavallade on Instagram. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Award-winning Arab American choreographer Sonya Tayeh has a relentless drive, an abundance of ambition, and extraordinary talent. She discusses her roots as a teenager in the Detroit underground rave scene, her late arrival to dance, and how she catapulted to fame with her work on So You Think You Can Dance. Sonya shares what draws her to new projects, why she fought for a versatile career, and how she formed her choreographic voice. Check out Sonya Tayeh on Instagram and on the web. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the most acclaimed dancers of our time, Wendy Whelan had a distinguished career for three decades as Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet, before becoming the first female to take on a leadership role with the company as Associate Artistic Director. Wendy and Alicia reminisce about taking classes together at Steps on Broadway, discuss Wendy's early struggles to be cast in a wider array of roles, and talk about Wendy's hope to leave a legacy of support for future generations of dancers. Check out Wendy Whelan on Instagram or at New York City Ballet. Learn more about Restless Creature here. Follow Moving Moments on Instagram. Follow Alicia on Instagram. You can find out more about Artful Narratives Media on Instagram or the web. The Moving Moments theme song was composed by Saul Guanipa for Videohelper. Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss. This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format. Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.