In this episode of the Dance Maker podcast, host Carlye Eckert interviews choreographer Meghan Frederick about her work, practice, and artistic evolution. They dive into the creative process behind Frederick’s score-based piece After Yes, discussing the intentional disruption of flow, the impact of motherhood on her art, and the vulnerability and trust involved in live performance. The conversation also explores audience perception, compositional structures, and how abstraction in dance can serve as a mirror for discomfort and self-reflection. This rich dialogue offers both personal insight and broader commentary on the power of contemporary dance.
Visit www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.
IG: @carlyeeckert
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Photos: Jim Coleman (Emily Green) and Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
In this episode of the Dance Maker Podcast, host Michele Painter sits down with choreographer and performer Emily Green to discuss her piece Blue, first created in college and recently revived for the Small Plates Choreography Festival in Newburgh, NY. Emily reflects on her evolution as an artist over the past decade, sharing how her relationship with her body, performance, and audience connection has shifted with time. The conversation explores themes of collaboration, vulnerability, and the fleeting yet powerful nature of live dance. Emily also offers insight into her current projects and her passion for creating work that embraces intimacy, playfulness, and human connection.
IG: @emi_greenn
IG for current collaborative full-length choreographic work:
@macho_huzzah_dance
Visit www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.
Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.
Photos: Jim Coleman (Emily Green) and Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
@michele1981plie
In this moving episode of the Dance Maker podcast, host Michele Painter speaks with choreographer and movement educator Judy Kurjan-Frank about her deeply personal solo work, Birth Plan / Dear Child, performed at the 2024 Small Plates Choreography Festival. Judy shares how becoming a mother of three—especially the birth of her third child—inspired the movement, themes, and emotional layers of her choreography. Through collaborative creation, recorded poetry, and embodied memory, she explores how dance can serve as both expression and healing during transformative life experiences. The conversation touches on unlearning ballet habits, reconnecting with selfhood in postpartum life, and the universality of love conveyed through movement.
You can find out more about Judy on IG @judeschmoods.
The recorded poetry was written by Claire Taylor.
Visit www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.
Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.
Photos: Matt Kelley (Judy Kurjan-Frank) and Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
Creating Through Impasse: Meredith Barnes on Dance, Friendship, and Healing | Ep 22
In this episode of the Dance Maker podcast, host Beth McKee Elliott speaks with choreographer Meredith Barnes about her journey as a dance artist, educator, and founder of DanceArtTheater. They explore the origins and emotional depth of Meredith's duet Relationship Impasse, a piece born from personal grief and social upheaval during the pandemic. The conversation dives into the creative process, collaboration with dancers, and the power of dance to express complex, often unspoken feelings. Meredith also shares upcoming projects and her continued commitment to nurturing the dance community through performance and mentorship. It's an inspiring and heartfelt look at the intersection of art, life, and healing.
Learn more about Meredith and DanceArtTheater at www.dancearttheater.com
Meredith will be presenting work at Small Plates Duck, OBX on Duck Amphitheater 1200 Duck Road, Kitty Hawk, NC at on July 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The performances are free and open to the public.
Visit www.smallplatesdance.com more information.
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Photo: Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
In this episode of the Dance Maker Podcast, host Michele Painter engages with Audrey Baran, a Filipina-American dance maker, performer, educator and director of Baran Dance. Her work has been featured at the Small Plates Choreography Festivals in North Carolina and New York. In this episode, we explore her artistic journey and the personal experiences that have influenced her creative process in choreography. Audrey speaks on her collaborative process, which involves working and choreographing with a diverse community of dancers. This episode provides a compelling look at how choreographers can use personal life experiences and human relationships to create dances that are emotionally accessible to community audiences.
Learn more about Audrey Baran and Baran Dance by visiting https://baran.dance/ and following their IG account @barandance.
You can also visit our website www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate. Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.
Photos: Butch Delatina (Audrey Baran) and Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
In this episode of the Dance Maker Podcast, host Jennifer Williams engages with Austin-based choreographer Emily Rushing, whose work was featured at the Small Plates Choreography Festival. In this powerful episode, we explore her artistic journey and the personal experiences that have influenced her creative process in choreography. Rushing reveals how her recent personal encounters with grief and her fascination with certain aspects of nature documentaries inspired her poignant work, Spore. This intimate conversation delves into the complexities and healing aspects of creating art that is deeply rooted in vulnerability and community. This episode provides a compelling look at how choreographers transform life experiences into movement, using dance as a powerful tool for healing and connection.
Learn more about Emily Rushing at https://emily-rushing.com/
Please visit our website, www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.
Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.
Photo: Sarah Annie Navarrete
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
In this heartfelt episode of the Dance Maker podcast, host Beth McKee Elliott speaks with Jeanna Vance, executive director of Open Sky Arts Collective, about her choreographic work A Distant Welcome. Jeanna shares her journey from classical ballet to community-centered dance, and how faith, vulnerability, and dreams shape her creative process. They discuss the emotional and spiritual depth behind her piece, the power of collaborative rehearsal, and the importance of authenticity in both dance and life. This episode is a rich exploration of how choreography becomes a vessel for connection, longing, and transformation.
Learn more about Jeanna Vance and Open Sky Arts Collective at https://www.openskyarts.com/
Please visit our website, www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.
Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.
Photo: Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
In Episode 18 of the Dance Maker podcast, host Jennifer Williams interviews emerging choreographer Reisa DiNatale, whose work was featured at the Small Plates Choreography Festival. Reisa reflects on her journey in dance, detailing the experiences that have shaped her into the choreographer and performer she is today. She delves into her creative process and the inspiration behind her large ensemble work, In Cold Blood, which examines themes of betrayal and the intricacies of human relationships. The episode reveals how DiNatale's commitment and vision infused the piece with emotional resonance and unity, leaving a lasting impact on both the audience and the dancers. Throughout the discussion, Reisa's fervor for choreography shines through, along with her ambition to continue crafting and showcasing significant dance pieces.
Please visit our website, www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.
Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.
Photo: Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
In this episode of the Dance Maker podcast, host Beth McKee Elliott speaks with 17-year-old choreographer Alexandra Bark about her journey into dance-making through the Barefoot Dance Center in the Hudson Valley.
Alex shares how she gained confidence over time and developed her voice as an artist, culminating in her piece Peapod, a duet exploring the emotional complexities of mother-daughter relationships during her mother’s health challenges. They reflect on the value of youth choreography, the power of dance as a vulnerable, expressive medium, and the importance of expanding opportunities for young choreographers.
The episode highlights Alex’s thoughtful, mature artistic process and her aspirations to continue creating and dancing in college and beyond.
Alex also shared her thoughts about being part of Small Plates Choreography Festival on our blog. You can read inspiring testimonial HERE.
Alex will be performing and presenting work at the Barefoot Dance Center’s 22nd Annual Student Dance Concert on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at The Quimby Theater on SUNY Ulster’s campus. The concert showcases original works by Barefoot Dance Center students and professional choreographers in a community-centered, celebratory environment. The concert is open to the public and tickets are available HERE.
Please visit our website, www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate.
Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.
Photo: Brian Wolfe www.instagram.com/brianarmoured212
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
In the Season 2 premiere of the Dance Maker podcast, host Beth McKee Elliott reintroduces the show after a three-year hiatus, reflecting on her personal journey through health challenges and the evolution of the Small Plates Choreography Festival.
She shares updates on the festival’s expansion to new cities like Austin, TX and the Outer Banks, NC, and introduces new team members who will help co-host future episodes. The episode emphasizes the podcast’s renewed focus on in-depth conversations with choreographers, exploring their creative processes and inspirations.
Beth also expresses her gratitude to supporters and excitement about the upcoming season.
Beth McKee Elliott is the creator and director of Small Plates Choreography Festival and Haven Movement Company, a Master Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator, and artist.
Please check our website, www.smallplatesdance.com for open applications, links to purchase tickets and to donate. Join our email list at https://tinyurl.com/spcfjoin to receive notices about new podcast episodes, application deadline reminders, and announcements about new shows and events.
Photo: Brian Wolfe
Music: Foundations, Shimmer, Matthew Wigton, A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
I'll be taking a break for a few weeks, I'll be back next year.
If you would like to be a guest in the new year, apply HERE
If you would like to be on the email list about the podcast and other offerings from THESE LEGS MUST DANCE you can do so HERE
If you would like to be on the Small Plates Choreography Festival mailing list you can join HERE
To request a session with me, use THIS LINK
A native from Seattle, Mariah Eastman graduated in 2017 with a degree in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University Mariah danced in Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble’s production of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer February 2018. She presented a Chicago debut at J e l l o: Let’s Get Technical (Live from Chicago!) in April 2018. In June she was selected as a choreographer for Project Bound Dance’s One Hour Project. Mariah’s solo “Tidbits and Beginnings” was premiered at Built On Stilts Dance Festival in Martha’s Vineyard. Another of one of her solos “Efforts of Contemplation” was presented at “The Performance Party” at Arts On Site in August 2018. Her piece “Live From Chicago!” was chosen to be performed at Small Plates Choreography Festival in Brooklyn, NY in October 2018. In late October, her solo “A Look in the Mirror” was chosen for the BUILT production at Links Hall in Chicago. This January, her piece “Gesturing Steps” was selected for the Trifecta Dance Collective’s A New Light Choreography Showcase. “Efforts of Contemplation” was chosen through an adjudication process to be performed at Baltimore Dance Invitational in February 2019. It was also selected for the 17th Annual Mid-Atlantic Choreographers Showcase in Richmond, VA. Eastman was also selected to participate as a choreographer for Simantikos 2nd Annual Choreo Kick-off in August 2019. She premiered her first evening length work “Patternalia” in September 2020, a virtual performance exploring the process of dreaming through live dance, dance film and projections. Then in June 2021, she presented Café Cortado, a collaboration with local Chicago coffee shops using live stream dance, recorded interviews and dance film.
Her most current project is the Holiday Dance Carol, in conjunction with Dovetail Dance Studios, Dance on Broadway and Intrigue Dance all in Chicago, IL. Read more HERE and HERE and look for Mariah and dancers to come knocking on your door this holiday season.
Find Mariah online HERE
Instagram @mariahdchoreography
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Book a six session package of healing sessions with Beth McKee Elliott, Somatic Practitioner before December 31, 2021.
Jessie Levey is the Founder and Director of Barefoot Dance Center in West Park NY
She was recently awared "Outstanding Dance Educator" by the New York State Dance Education Association
Barefoot Dance Company will be holding a performance on December 11 at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.
This unique company of young dancers will perform several innovative modern dance pieces in a delightful concert. Bring your kids as the event is family friendly. Audience members of all ages will find the variety of work exciting and inspiring. Part of The CENTER's Saturday Morning Family Series.
Find Barefoot Dance Cennter online
Facebook: @barefootdancecenter
Instagram: @barefootdancecenter
Rain Ross is an artist and educator who recognizes that art brings people together to develop and maintain community and give voice. Art is about sharing, communicating, and connecting. Her work has been presented nationally and internationally, and she helped to found and run the International Dance Day Festival in Lebanon which ran for over a decade. She is currently an Associate Professor of Dance at Stockton University.
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Request a 1:1 Somatic Session with Beth Elliott HERE
Shannon K. Maria aka Shanz is a cultural practitioner of Hawaiian dance and a member of the Halau (Hula School) Kiawe kūpono O Ka Ua
Hula drives him by helping him reconnect to his roots and Hawaiian culture, much of which was lost and/or taken away during the illegal overthrow and occupation of Hawai‘i by the United States. He is passionate about bringing awareness to all that has been forgotten and steadfast in his responsibility to perpetuate, protect, and preserve the culture of the Hawaiian people and bring it back to life.
Shannon K. Maria aka Shanz is a cultural practitioners of Hawaiian dance and a member of the Halau (Hula School) Kiawe kūpono O Ka Ua
Hula drives him by helping him reconnect to his roots and Hawaiian culture, much of which was lost and/or taken away during the illegal overthrow and occupation of Hawai‘i by the United States. He is passionate about bringing awareness to all that has been forgotten and steadfast in his responsibility to perpetuate, protect, and preserve the culture of the Hawaiian people and bring it back to life.
Don't wait until the holidays are over to reach out for support and help. Start your somatic practice through one-on-one sessions with me now, and stay centered, grounded, and present this holiday season. Six session packages, good for six months, are currently $700. DM me on Instagram @theselegsdance, request a session on Facebook, or reach out to bethmcelliott@gmail.com to schedule.
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Shilpa Darivemula is a former creative director and board member of the Aseemkala Initiative, a group of artists, scientists, and physicians who use our traditional dances to perform stories of healthcare inequity. We are activists who believe that diversity in healthcare stories should be represented by diverse women through diverse traditional dances, empowering unique women while reminding the medical community about the shared goal of improving the human condition equitably.
Shilpa was instrumental in creating the American Medical Women’s Association Dance and Theater Task Force. As co-chair, she was able to bring dance into the forefront in this organization and elevate other dancer-healthcare provider voices and experiences. Her passion is this blend and creating space for other artists to bring their creativity to medical settings. They publish their dance related work in several major medical journals. Please see the conference and publications over the years here:
https://aseemkala.org/portfolio-3/
clyde forth is a performer and choreographer whose primary interest is the exploration of infinite connections. The mission of Lokasparśa Dance Projects is to dismantle barriers through experiences in dance performance and somatic education, and to serve people by bringing them together with a sense of intimacy, wonder and self-knowing. Her previous performance company, Clyde Forth Visual Theatre, was active for 10 full seasons; from 2003 to 2013 and presented in NYC, Woodstock NY, Baltimore MD, Washington DC, Troy, NY, Bethlehem, NH and Edinburgh, Scotland over the years. In 2013, she entered a year of residential Zen training at Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper, NY and then a second year that ended on September 25, 2016. That experience and my continued practice there since 2007 deeply informed the founding of Lokasparśa Dance Projects, and continues to be the underpinning of my work. LDP has presented work in NYC, Woodstock NY, and Kingston NY so far. We are hoping to do a larger tour of our current piece next year. Awards Mount Tremper Arts fully supported residency ASK for Arts Production Residency at Arts Society of Kingston Dance Omi International Choreographers' Residency, Ghent NY Artward Bound Residency, The Field, NYC Commission, Latitude 53 Art Space, Edmonton Alberta
Lokasparśa Dance Projects
Movement from Center
on Instagram: @movementfromcenter
on Facebook: movementfromcenter
website: movementfromcenter.com
email: clyde@movementfromcenter.com
Sarah Renny is a dancer, choreographer, an entrepreneur, a nurse, and a mom. She is a co-founder of Haven Movement Company and creator/teacher at Blooming Buds Enrichment, a nature and movement-based educational program for young children and their parents.
Also follow Stonegate Farms and WildSide Hudson Valley
Kista Tucker, Director of Kista Tucker Insights and a woman of many hats - dancer, choreographer, writer, movie maker, performer, former university professor of dance, and cartwheeling septegenarian.
“Off the Marley” Discussions for the Curious October 17, 24 at 2pm (ET)
https://kistatucker.com/off-the-marley
A gathering for people intrigued in examining a plethora of aspects of the arts and of life.
For those rapt in Movement Arts, Writing, Theater, Music, Visual Arts, and more.
We will draw lines, find connections, refine and broaden understandings. We will contemplate, kick around, and chew on topics such as: techniques, style, composition, perspective, approach, and more… We may trace where topics migrate.