We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Angelica Caruso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
As a professor and chair of the La Roche University Performing Arts Department, I spend a great deal of time teaching my students about the importance of diversification in their creative portfolios. The live arts have long been struggling for sustainability, and they are even more so post pandemic. I am fortunate to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but that has also been achieved through the tireless pursuit of multiple artistic interests at a world class level. I believe in being a constant learner, a forever student. I enjoy taking a few steps backward or sitting on the sidelines to learn a new craft that will continue to push my portfolio forward. For me, this is through my work in dance, choreography, education, fitness, wellness, film, and entertainment.
Maria, we love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Maria Angelica Caruso, and my journey in dance and choreography has been a tapestry of creative expression, academic rigor, and a steadfast commitment to breaking molds. From the moment I embarked on this path in 2000, my mission has been more than just to perform or create; it’s been to challenge and transcend the stereotypical archetypes often imposed on artists in my field. Every solo performance, every piece choreographed, and every class taught has been a step toward proving that artistry can defy expectations and that creativity knows no bounds.
My professional and educational endeavors, from global tours with “Metamorphosis” to pioneering programs at Bodiography, my dance brand inclusive of a professional dance company, conservatory, and fitness and wellness division, have been about more than achievements. They’ve been battles against the conventional, where the biggest challenge has always been to persevere despite the stereotypes that seek to confine what a dancer or a choreographer should be. Leading Bodiography and M-Train Productions, my affiliate production company, along with RAE Films and En Pointe Entertainment, and contributing to the dance community as an educator at La Roche University have been platforms not just for my voice, but for the voices of those who dream of a dance world unencumbered by limitations.
What fills me with the deepest pride, however, isn’t just the accolades or the global recognition—it’s the loving, compassionate community I’ve had the privilege to build and nurture. This global creative family stands as a testament to the power of inclusivity and understanding in the arts. Together, we’ve created a sanctuary where passion for dance and respect for individuality flourish.
As I look back on the trials and triumphs, it’s clear that my greatest accomplishment lies in the hearts and minds of the community I’ve fostered. This family, bound not by geography but by shared values of grace, gratitude, and love, is my legacy and my continued inspiration.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of my creative life unfolds in the vibrant classrooms and studios where the future of dance takes shape under my guidance. There’s an unparalleled joy in witnessing my students’ achievements, seeing their dedication and hard work materialize into moments of sheer brilliance. These moments of triumph, often punctuated with play and laughter, are the essence of our collective creative journey. It’s in these spaces of shared vulnerability and joy where true artistry is nurtured. Watching my young professionals take the essence of what they’ve learned, carrying on my legacy with both poise and grace, fills me with an indescribable pride. To see them not only excel in their craft but also mature into remarkable human beings is a testament to the transformative power of our art. Moreover, I cherish my role as a dot connector, weaving together the tapestry of our community by intersecting lives for the better. This intricate network of relationships, built on mutual respect and shared passion, is where my heart truly resides. It’s in these connections and the growth they foster that I find the deepest satisfaction and the true measure of my life’s work.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey of resilience is intertwined with the story of founding my company, a venture that initially met with skepticism from many foundation leaders. They protested against my innovative model—a consortium of smaller companies united under one artistic brand, arguing it deviated too far from traditional paths. Despite their doubts, I persevered, even through the daunting years of lost funding that tested my resolve. In a bold move to keep our Bodiography season alive, in my early years, I took a second mortgage on my mother’s house, a decision that weighed heavily on my heart. Yet, the belief in my vision and the relentless drive to see it through never wavered. I paid back every dime of that loan, a testament not just to my determination but to the viability of the model I fought so hard for. After a decade of persistence, the tide turned. Those same foundations that once doubted us came to praise our model for its sustainability and innovation, even asking me to teach its principles more broadly. This chapter of my life is a profound reminder that resilience, underpinned by unwavering faith in one’s vision, can transform doubt into acclaim and hardship into triumph.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bodiography.com, www.metamorphosismac.com, www.bodiographyfitnessandstrength.com, www.mariaangelicacaruso.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metamorphosismac
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaCarusoMetamorphosis/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-angelica-caruso-58801bb
- Twitter: @carusomtrain
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bodiography/videos
Image Credits
Eric Rosé, Heather Tabacchi, Rodrigo, Stehling, Alan Russell, Paulo Liebert