Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Moriah Markowitz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Moriah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

No matter the project, it is meaningful. Whether if its sharing an important story, topic, or simply just exploring each piece of art has purpose. Funny enough, for me personally the final product doesn’t even come to mind. The process, the music, the inspiration, the cast is more important to me which leads to the piece performed being organic. All my choreography is created in rehearsals without preparation, to see how my thoughts and ideas transform when put on other minds and bodies. The ending product is always a gift, an unexpected, full hearted gift.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I don’t know life without dance. Dance shaped me into who I am today, through movement, friendship, wonderful mentors/teachers, and most importantly my greatest supporters (mom & dad). Who knew putting me in ballet class at 2 years old would have started this lifestyle for me? Over the years, I didn’t always “fit in” as your typical competition dancer. I always tried to fit the mold of my peers, rather than allowing myself to find the space that was waiting for me my whole life. As an educator and instructor, my goal is for everyone to find the best versions of themselves, and that doesn’t always been what “looks best” but how does this make you feel? How does this make you feel. Feel through exploration, emotions, pathways, experiences, muscle engagement, story telling, etc… there’s feeling within it all, and the connection of the mind, body, and spirit is what I find most important to self express. I’m fortunate enough to teach in spaces with children from ages 4-18, adults, college students, and the engagement in their self exploration is my biggest reward as an instructor. Over the years, I’ve shared work in multiple spaces, including but not limited to: The Carnival Choreographers Ball, Young Choreographer’s Festival, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Evening of Contemporary Dance, etc. I’m proud to say as a creator that I try to practice as I preach, how can my exploration as a choreographer give my dancers, audiences, and myself a unique experience which lead to my creation of my contemporary New York City based company “The Mo.vement.” Within the company, I hope to continue to create an environment which guides humans to an immeasurable amount of growth and inspiration as we come together to deepen our creative minds.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Truly, when I’m involved in something I’m all in. Growing up in a close knit dance studio gave me the passion, the second family, the education that shaped me into who I am today. I’m very grateful for every experience and learning opportunity I’ve been given through all of my young years. Seeing outside choreographers come in to our spaces and knowing one day that’s who I wanted to be. Without being on the other side, I wouldn’t have a deep understanding of who I am as a creator, what was missing for me as an individual and how can I help guide that space to fill for dancers. I believe I was always exactly where I needed to be, when I needed it most. I am who I am because of my experiences, I create what I create because of the experiences I’ve had, I have the best dance families and connections because of being in the right place at the right time, and I wouldn’t change any of it. As a person in and out of dance spaces, I’m learning to be more present rather than thinking of what comes next, or what happened yesterday, and fully taking advantage and accepting the gift of everyday and every connection it brings.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Show up. We HAVE to show up for each other. I can talk about the ways art is so important forever. Our creative minds and well-beings need a place to share, and there are so many ways to show up for each other to support our community. Whether if that’s supporting on social media, donating, coming to class, going to see a performance, congratulating someone after sharing their work, the support is what creates our community and can allow it to keep growing and striving.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moriahmarkowitz/ https://www.instagram.com/the_mo.vement/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@moriahmarkowitz4074?si=GNtZmHhUoxpukfkO