#153: In this special Season 7 finale, host Martheya reflects on a season shaped by the intersection of strategic planning, technology, and creative leadership in the arts. From AI and immersive performance to community collaboration and sustainable growth, this episode invites listeners to explore what it means to design a creative path guided by purpose, curiosity, and integrity. Drawing from standout conversations with visionary guests, Martheya shares practical insights from the season — from redefining “strategy” as a personal practice to embracing adaptability and reflection as vital parts of the creative process. 00:00 Welcome and Season Overview 02:09 Key Takeaways from the Season 02:56 Deep Dive into Core Principles 05:16 Strategic Planning and Creative Freedom 06:07 Reflection and Sustainable Artistry 06:57 Final Thoughts and What's Next 07:28 Thank You and Farewell Show kNOwtes: https://www.knowboxdance.com/post/episode-153

#152: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, host Martheya speaks with choreographer, filmmaker, and performer Margot Gelber about the emotional depth and collaborative process behind her award-winning dance film If I Were You — an official selection of the kNOwBOX dance Film Festival. Together, they explore how vulnerability and strength coexist in the creative process, how artistic leadership emerges through trust, and what it takes to translate an inner vision into movement on screen. Margot shares her approach to cultivating authentic collaboration and crafting choreography that lingers beyond the frame. Tune in to discover how emotional nuance, artistic clarity, and embodied trust intersect both on and off the screen. (35:22) 00:00 Margot Gelber 00:45 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:34 Margot Gelber's Film Journey 05:04 Strategic Planning for Dance Films 07:49 Crowdfunding and Budgeting Insights 13:33 Promotion and Festival Submissions 17:49 Emerging Technologies in Dance 22:35 Creative Process and Collaboration 24:52 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers 28:08 Current and Future Projects 32:54 Flash Four Segment 33:47 Conclusion and Farewell Show kNOwtes: https://www.knowboxdance.com/post/episode-152

#151:In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, host Martheya sits down with multidisciplinary artist Gabri Christa, whose work moves fluidly between choreography, filmmaking, performance, writing, and education. Born and raised in the Dutch Caribbean, Gabri brings a global and deeply personal perspective to her art, weaving stories of identity, ancestry, and memory that illuminate the intersections of culture, race, and history. Tune in to discover how Gabri Christa builds bridges between the spirit and the screen, inviting us to move through history and imagination with purpose and grace. (39:32)  Chapters 00:00 Gabri Christa 00:45 Introduction to Dance Behind the Screen 01:03 Meet Gabri: A Multidisciplinary Force 01:56 Exploring Identity, Memory, and Ancestry 02:17 Leadership and Intuition in Storytelling 03:34 The Importance of Team Dynamics 08:07 Technology in Filmmaking and Choreography 13:59 The Role of Intuition and Preparation 22:50 Advice for Emerging Dance and Film Artists 30:24 Saying No to the Box and Yes to the Future of Dance 36:22 Flash Four: Quick Insights 37:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://www.knowboxdance.com/post/episode-151

#149: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, Martheya talks with Amy Elizabeth (Smith) — dance maker, arts administrator, educator — about dance as a practice of connection and change. Amy shares how she navigates interdisciplinary collaborations, balances artistry with institutional demands, and builds supportive spaces for artists. From questions of identity and belonging to the impact of technology on creative opportunities, this conversation spotlights Amy’s vision for reimagining what it means to be an artist today.(45:33) @aimeddance @DanceUnscriptedPodcast 00:00 Amy Elizabeth (Smith) 00:44 Introduction to Dance Behind the Screen Podcast 01:07 Meet Amy Elizabeth: Dance Leader and Educator 02:09 Defining Purpose in Dance 03:10 Strategic Shifts and Community Engagement 04:12 Challenges and Resources in Southeast Texas 07:18 Building a New Board and Starting Over 17:20 Programming and Community Impact 20:32 Funding and Sustainability 26:09 Cultivating Individual Donors 36:41 Mentorship and Radical Curiosity 41:48 Flash Four Segment and Conclusion 45:03 Outros Show kNOwtes: https://www.knowboxdance.com/post/episode-149

#150: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen Podcast, host Martheya chats with visionary choreographer and RUBBERBAND founder Victor Quijada. From his hip hop roots in Los Angeles to creating the groundbreaking RUBBERBAND Method—a fusion of hip hop, ballet, and contemporary dance—Victor shares his journey, creative process, and insights on breaking boundaries, staying authentic in the digital age, and transforming dreams into reality. (48:01)  Chapters 00:32 — Introduction and Welcome 01:53 — Origins of the RUBBERBAND Method 10:41 — Building RUBBERBAND 18:04 — Leadership and Team Building 25:13 — Dance Performance and Audience Experience 28:39 — Film and Choreography 36:15 — Creative Process and Innovation 40:49 — Flash Four Q&A 47:22 — Closing and Contact Information Show kNOwtes: https://www.knowboxdance.com/post/episode-150 @rubberbanddancecompany1450 This Season of Dance Behind the Screen Podcast is powered in part by TACA and Moody Fund for the Arts.

#148: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, Martheya talks with arts leader Anne Kogan to explore what it means to innovate while staying rooted in community. Anne shares insights from her career bridging artistic vision and organizational leadership, highlighting strategies for navigating change, fostering collaboration, and reimagining the role of the arts in today’s world. Listeners will gain practical takeaways on leadership, adaptability, and the power of creativity in shaping the future of the arts. (44:17) 00:00 Leadership & Innovation in the Arts with Anne Kogan 00:45 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Guest 01:43 Evaluating Community Arts Programs 05:49 Balancing Wants and Needs in Arts Programming 07:45 Setting Tangible Goals and Using Logic Models 12:10 Key Elements of Resilient Arts Organizations 17:33 No Box Dance: Strengths and Opportunities 20:26 Emerging Trends in Community Engagement 24:06 Defining High-Quality Arts Experiences 27:46 Technology in Arts Programming 30:18 Storytelling in Dance and Technology 40:00 Flash Four: Quick Insights and Recommendations Podcast show kNOwtes:

#147: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, Martheya talks with Deborah McMurray, founder and CEO of Content Pilot and a recognized leader in legal strategy, branding, and technology. Deborah shares insights from her work with top law firms, her creative journey as an author, and her service on nonprofit boards—revealing how strategy, storytelling, and innovation connect across industries and the arts. (49:00) 00:00 Deborah McMurray 00:45 Introduction and Guest Welcome 03:09 Background and Career Journey 06:06 Marketing and PR Strategies for Artists 08:14 Importance of Clear Messaging 12:08 Emotional Connection in Digital Communication 17:41 Technology and Tools for Storytelling 18:55 Effective Use of Video in Marketing 24:18 The Power of Video in Legal Newsletters 25:39 Board Memberships and Roles 28:27 Insights on Nonprofit Board Recruitment 34:28 Strategic Planning for Nonprofits 38:46 Social Media Strategies for Nonprofits 43:12 FLASH 4 47:19 Conclusion and Staying Connected Show kNOwtes: https://www.knowboxdance.com/post/episode-147

#146: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, host Martheya talks with Suzanne Smith, founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects, about what it takes to design a blueprint for creative impact. Suzanne shares how nearly three decades of experience at the intersection of nonprofit, government, and business have shaped her approach to leadership and innovation. Together, they unpack what it means to dream bigger while building structures that last, why cross-sector collaboration is essential for solving today’s challenges, and how artists and changemakers can balance vision with execution. (44:02) 00:00 The Blueprint for Creative Impact with Suzanne Smith, Social Impact Architects 00:44 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:43 Suzanne Smith's Multifaceted Career 04:47 Defining Mission, Vision, and Strategic Planning 07:18 The Importance of Clear Messaging 23:28 Strategic Planning: Clarity, Capacity, and Courage 24:57 Building a Strong Organizational Culture 25:40 Tools and Exercises for Strategic Planning 28:24 Resilience and Agility in Arts Organizations 29:50 Engaging and Growing Your Audience 32:14 Creating Audience-Centered Experiences 35:34 The Importance of Feedback and Surveys 39:54 Flash Four: Quick Insights and Recommendations Show kNOwtes: https://www.knowboxdance.com/post/episode-146