We recently connected with Marisa Ervin and have shared our conversation below.

Marisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

This was a few years back now, but in my last year of college at AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy) I got the opportunity to self choreograph my senior solo. This was a very important undertaking to me at the time because not tons of people have chosen to do that throughout previous semesters. I wanted my choreography to mean something and allow people to walk away with a feeling that I fed them. I decided to make a piece about society’s consistent wrongdoings to women and the never ending cycle we are perpetually trying to break. It was interesting trying to find the balance within my movement- because I wanted recognize how we are still battling for true equality on all fronts yet, I wanted to celebrate the many women who have fought for the rights we hold today.
Visually to showcase this I filmed my solo in a room where the floor can spin and move throughout the routine so it gave this “hamster wheel” effect. At different parts- propelling me forward, spiraling me backward, etc. The space we had definitely was the final detail that made this solo feel whole. Creating this routine at such a meaningful time in my life makes it always stand out to me, I just look back on that whole process with so much pride and emotion. It also gave me my first taste of fully choreographing a true project and that feeling has just continued to inspire me for what I create now. I have a new piece coming out on May 1st that lives in the same world as this solo, and I can’t wait to share it!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Dance has always been a huge part of my life. I started when I was two years old and truly just never stopped. I grew up in Akron, OH and started competitive dancing and training at multiple conventions each year to gain more and more knowledge from teachers and choreographers. I decided to further my studies at both collegiate campuses of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). I began my AMDA training at their New York campus, then finished my degree in Los Angeles earning my BFA in Dance Theatre. My choreographic work has been featured in various showcases, productions, conventions, competitions, and festivals. I can be seen in multiple live and video performances dancing for artists such as Hozier, Cannibal Kids, and Chad Future.
As I continue to develop my own work I’m really interested in exploring immersive and lively choreography to portray transcendental and intense narratives. I try to spread inspiration through movement, and create a lively environment for each dancer to discover their individuality.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, it’s when something you create or something you perform in really resonates with someone. Whenever someone comes up to you and describes how your work made them feel- or sometimes they didn’t even know it was something they needed expressed. It’s crazy to me that movement and music can make people cry or uncontrollably laugh. I believe dance allows us to experiment with extreme emotions we don’t really show in everyday life. And that experience isn’t just an outlet for the performers, but the audience as well. I just always feel so lucky when that happens. It’s the best feeling in the world.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Go see shows, festivals, or any performances that are showcasing artists. Sharing videos through social media is such great way for artists to feel supported as well. I think like so many things in life, showing up for people is just so important. When our communities physically supports us we are able to keep creating. Things like this interview are such a great tool for us as well! I appreciate any time media outlets give us space to speak about projects, careers, businesses, etc. But just always encouraging people to show up for one another.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisaervn/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marisaervn

Image Credits

Lindsay Rosenburg Photography
Lexi Dysart- Archetype