ETD New Choreographer Grant Spotlight: Moriah Markowitz

Moriah Markowitz is the third of three recipients awarded the ETD New Choreographer Grant for 2022. Markowitz is 25 years old from New York and has been dancing since the age of three, growing up in the competitive dance world throughout her childhood. 

While competing from the age of seven to 18, Markowitz began collaborating with her dance teachers and found herself loving the choreographic side as much as the performance side of the process. "That's when I knew I couldn't leave choreography after high school and I couldn't imagine going into another profession without being involved in the artistry of creating," she said. 

Markowitz received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University at Buffalo, taking choreography classes and dancing throughout her time in the program. She was the only student choreographer chosen to bring her work to the American College Dance Association and has had the opportunity to perform with one of her professors in the Dumbo Dance Festival. Upon graduating, Markowitz brought her work to festivals, including the Apex Dance Festival, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, and more.

Markowitz strives to create work relatable to everyone involved, including the dancers, audience, and herself. "Every single person watching or dancing has a completely different experience that is relatable to their personal lives," she said. Markowitz enjoys implementing a wide range of dynamics, emotions, and layers that can fit into the genre of contemporary dance. Markowitz created a New York-based contemporary dance company for young college graduate level dancers titled "The Mo.vement."  

Markowitz said she feels highly rewarded by viewing the final product of her creation after studio sessions and rehearsal time with her dancers. Markowitz said it's not only a reward for her to see what she's created but to see how each performer interprets her creation during the performance. "I can't compare anything else to it. I love to see everyone's reaction as an audience member, including facial or emotional expressions during the end product,” she said.

The ETD New Choreographer Grant is the first grant Markowitz has received, and she couldn't be more thankful to Eryc Taylor Dance for the opportunity. "With all of the support, it has been such a smooth sailing process that has allowed me to create the longest piece I have made so far. It has given me an opportunity that I couldn't have fulfilled without this grant," said Markowitz.