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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.

Send us a text

Guest: Delaney Charlotte Burke
Movement Artist / Storyteller

In this interview episode, Delaney shares her journey in the performing arts, from shifting into a triple threat to finding her passion for dance. She discusses the challenges of training in a traditional dance program and the pressure to fit into codified techniques; emphasizing the importance of artistic expression and individuality in dance, and the need for more fusion and diversity in the industry. She also opens up about the constant feeling of needing to prove herself and catch up, but acknowledges the value of her unique path and the importance of self-motivation. In this conversation, Delaney, Eileen and Amy discuss the importance of valuing artists' time and the need to move away from mentorship that makes one feel less than what they have to offer. Delaney also shares her journey of dealing with knee injuries and the psychological and emotional challenges that come with it, recognizing the need for more support and understanding for dancers going through injuries and the importance of educating dancers about their bodies.

Delaney (she/her) started dancing as a freshman in High School because of her love and passion for Theatre. She began to take it seriously because she knew she wanted to pursue it professionally by the time she was a sophomore. She furthered her studies at DeSales University where she was a Dual Major in Theatre and Dance. After college, Delaney started working professionally in her field. Her favorite credits include Mamma Mia (Mom Understudy), Godspell (Uzo Track) and Matilda (Swing). She is also in a contemporary Storytelling company, Thistle Dance. She continues to audition in person in NYC and take class under some of the greats at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in all styles. She has promised to continue to stick her nose to the grindstone to make her dreams a reality.

Follow / Learn More / Mentions:
IG: @delaneycharlotteburke

• What is a Saturn Return?
• Dr. Donald Rose
• Words That Move Me with Dana Wilson Podcast
• No End, Only More (next group 9/3)

Activation Warning: This episode contains sensitive topics including medical and surgical references. Please take care of your body.

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 Mini Series episode, Eileen and Amy discuss the topic of disordered eating. They provide definitions and distinctions between disordered eating, intuitive eating, and eating disorders. They share their personal experiences with disordered eating and how it has evolved over time. The conversation also touches on the influence of societal and cultural factors on eating behaviors, as well as the prevalence of eating disorders in the dance and aesthetic sports industries. Eileen and Amy go on to discuss the transition from disordered eating to eating disorders and the coping mechanisms involved; exploring the connection between control, trauma, and body image, highlighting the impact of societal beauty standards. They also discuss the prevalence of eating disorders among athletes and the role of shame and secrecy in perpetuating these disorders. This episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the underlying pain and trauma that contribute to disordered eating and how the dance world is a prime environment for food to be used as a coping mechanism to manage bodily autonomy, control and a sense of empowerment or sovereignty within a dancing body.

Resources:
Episode 10 Slideshow

Activation Warning: This episode contains sensitive topics including eating disorders, abuse and self harm. Please take care of your body.

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

Guest: Liza Little
Sculptor

In this interview episode, Eileen and Amy discuss Liza's journey from being a dancer to becoming a sculptor as well as the intersection of art and science, the importance of curiosity, and the challenges of the audition world. Liza shares her motivation to understand the self-image and the human body through sculpture and emphasizes the need for artists to step outside of their bubble and connect with the world around them. In this conversation, they also discuss how dance and sculpture meet, the importance of history and tradition in art, and the role of cross-training in their creative practices. The physicality and mindfulness of swimming as a form of cross-training and the need for dancers to be their own advocates is explored as well as the need for inclusivity and openness in the art world and the importance of celebrating different bodies and perspectives. Overall, this episode highlights the power of art to connect and express the human experience.

Liza (she/her) is a figurative sculptor based in Queens, NY. Passionate for learning and driven by curiosity, Liza is always searching for connections between mediums. She graduated from the Certificate program at The Ailey School, studied at The Feldenkrais Institute, and The Art Students League of New York. She received a BS from The City College of New York with a Psychology major and Biology minor, and finished an honors research project in a neuroscience lab. In 2022, Liza received her MFA in Sculpture with a minor in Anatomy from the New York Academy of Art. She has received scholarships from Urban Glass, The Studio at Corning Museum of Glass, Penland School of Craft, and The Fantasy Fountain Fund for the Arts. Her sculpture practice uses ceramic, glass and stone to express the physicality of the human figure, especially of women. Recently, Liza‘s work was selected for the Libensky Award Exhibition in Prague, Czech Republic, among a cohort of emerging glass artists.

Follow / Learn More / Mentions:
IG: @lizagracelittle_sculptor
Website: https://www.lizagracelittlesculpture.com/
Backstage.com I Robert Beverly Hale I Stephen Rogers Peck I Dr. Paul Richer I Feldenkrais Institute I Linda Celeste Sims

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 Mini Series episode, Eileen and Amy discuss the professional paths within the dance industry, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) as an example. They explore the narrow trajectory of competition dancers and the value placed on spectacle and entertainment as well as the transition from competition dance to college dance teams and the limited career options available. They also touch on the controversy surrounding the pay of DCC dancers and the undervaluing of their work. The episode highlights the need for change and a reevaluation of the implicit values and reasoning behind pay disparities and the devaluation of professional dancers, specifically focusing on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). They discuss the justifications given for low pay, such as the emphasis on sisterhood and purpose and highlight the control and exclusivity within the organization, as well as the devaluation of dancers' efforts, bodies, and voices. The conversation delves into the intersection of patriarchy, capitalism, misogyny, body dysmorphia, and gender pay gaps within the dance industry; emphasizing the need for dancers and industry professionals to value themselves and demand fair compensation.

Resource:
Episode 8 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.

Send us a text

Guest: Lisa Long
Curious Human Being I CSUF Professor I Movement Artist I Choreographer I Researcher I Author

In this interview episode, Lisa Long, shares her journey in the dance world & her passion for teaching & supporting students. She emphasizes the importance of change, connection, & nature in her work. Discussing her research on mindfulness practices in dance & the positive impact they have on students' metacognition, critical thinking, sensory awareness, and emotional intelligence. Her goal is to make the dance journey easier for the next generation and provide them with tools to become better human beings. Additionally, Lisa emphasizes the importance of mindful rigor and holistic training in dance performance and the need for explicit teaching and clear communication in dance classes coupled with the value of creating a safe and supportive environment for students to explore and ask questions. Lisa also shares her personal experiences with receiving both positive and negative feedback in her dance career, and how she has learned to prioritize her own self-efficacy. She encourages cross-training and exploring different practices to enhance physical and mental well-being. Overall, Lisa advocates for a more inclusive and mindful approach to dance education & performance.

Lisa (she/her) leads her life curiosity-forward. Her evolution thus far has flowed between dance, choreography, massage, education, and most recently, writing.
For over a decade she danced professionally, first for Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and next was a principal dancer with Dance Kaleidoscope, under the artistic direction of David Hochoy, for eight years. She has created roles in works by...learn more here.

Follow / Learn More:
IG: @dlongdance
Website: https://dlongdance.com/
Mentions:
Book: 8.1.24 Cognella Press
Alwin Nikolais I Dallas Black Dance Theatre I Dance Kaleidoscope I Martha Graham I Oregon Shakespeare Festival I Alexandra Beller I Dave Brailsford I Wim Hof

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.