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In this conversation, Eileen and Amy delve into the intricacies of the creative process, particularly in choreography. They explore the nuances of how choreographers and dancers interact, the steps involved in creating a dance piece, and the emotional responses that drive artistic expression. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in collaboration, the importance of inspiration, and the ever-evolving nature of creativity in the dance industry. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding dancer needs, the role of breaks, and the collaborative nature of creating movement. They also examine various sources of inspiration, the significance of artistic intent, and the necessity of clear communication in rehearsals; delving into the importance of breath in movement and the overarching goal of restoring humanity within the dance process.

Resources / Mentions:

• Episode 14 Slideshow
• Crystal Pite
• Horton
• Graham

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at movepod@kaiaevolutions.com

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

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Guest: Alice Robb
Writer

In this engaging conversation, Eileen and Amy interview Alice Robb, author of 'Don't Think, Dear: On Loving and Leaving Ballet', exploring her journey from the ballet world to becoming a writer. They discuss the emotional complexities of loving ballet, the impact of dreams (in regards to her first book), and the importance of curiosity, especially as we learn. Alice shares her insights on body image, the need for change in ballet training, and how writing this book has allowed her to illuminate problematic themes that have influenced how some readers approach teaching dance moving forward. The conversation highlights the significance of inclusivity, the need for disruption and the acknowledgement of diverse paths within the dance world.

Alice (she/her) is the author of two non-fiction books: Why We Dream (Picador 2019), which was translated into fifteen foreign languages, and Don't Think, Dear: On Loving and Leaving Ballet (HarperCollins 2023), which has been called “devastating” (New York Times); “beautiful, difficult, and compelling” (Vanity Fair); “nuanced, intimate” (Guardian); “enlightening, perceptive” (Wall Street Journal). Don't Think, Dear uses her childhood at the School of American Ballet as a jumping-off point for an exploration of femininity, beauty, pain, the body, and ballet’s place in the modern world.
Her journalism and essays have appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair, the Washington Post, the Guardian, the New Statesman, the Financial Times, the Times Literary Supplement and elsewhere.

Follow / Learn More / Mentions:
IG: @alicelrobb
Website: https://alicerobb.com/

• Don’t Think Dear: On Loving and Leaving Ballet
• Why We Dream: The Transformative Power of Our Nightly Journey
• Sharon Eyal
• Batsheva Dance Company
• Gaga
• Horton
• ABT & SAB

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at movepod@kaiaevolutions.com

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send us a text

In this episode, Eileen and Amy discuss ageism in the dance industry. They share personal experiences and observations of how age is weaponized and how dancers are expected to retire at a young age. They explore the implicit age limits in auditions and the pressure to prove oneself before reaching a certain age emphasizing the importance of staying in the industry and advocating for older dancers to challenge ageist norms. This episode highlights the challenges of being an older dancer in a field dominated by younger performers and the lack of acceptance and opportunities for older dancers, the pressure to conform to societal expectations, and the impact of ageism on career prospects. They also highlight the importance of challenging these norms and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for dancers of all ages.

Resources:
Episode 12 Slideshow

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at movepod@kaiaevolutions.com

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.