The Truth In This Art with Dancer and Choreographer Sydnie L. Mosley

In this episode of “The Truth In This Art,” host Rob Lee converses with Sydnie L. Mosley, an award-winning artist, activist, and founder of “Sydnie L. Mosley Dances”. Sydnie shares her artistic journey, emphasizing her commitment to community engagement and social justice through dance. She discusses her creative process, the importance of rest, and the influence of cultural icons like Katherine Dunham. Sydnie also highlights her recognition as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” for 2024 and offers advice to aspiring artists. This episode underscores the power of art in fostering connection and promoting social change.

Episode Highlights:

• Sydnie’s Background (00:01:56) Sydnie shares her journey as an artist, educator, and community advocate, emphasizing her roots in Baltimore.
• Creative Problem Solving Through Dance (00:03:12) Sydnie explains how SLM Dances engages communities to address issues through movement and art.
• Feeling Human Through Dance (00:05:49) Sydnie discusses the emotional and connective power of dance in fostering humanity and dialogue.
• Founding SLM Dances (00:09:24) Sydnie narrates her journey in establishing SLM Dances and the impact of her early dance experiences.
• Social Issues Addressed Through Dance (00:11:54) Sydnie elaborates on how her projects focus on social issues, particularly gender-based harassment.
• Thematic Focus of Recent Work (00:15:05) Sydnie shares insights on her latest project, “Purple,” which explores sisterhood and social change.
• Importance of Continuous Learning (00:19:11) Sydnie emphasizes the necessity of learning and cultural engagement to enrich creativity and artistic expression.
• Recognition and Visibility (00:31:37) The significance of being acknowledged by peers and its potential benefits.
• Advice for Aspiring Artists (00:35:08) She encourages aspiring artists to take time, prioritize self-care, and start creating.

Key Takeaways:

1. Early Exposure to Art: Growing up in an artistic environment can significantly shape one’s creative journey and passions.
2. Community Engagement: Art can be a powerful tool for fostering dialogue and inspiring social change within communities.
3. Phases of Creativity: Structuring the creative process into distinct phases, including rest, is crucial for sustaining creativity and preventing burnout.
4. Self-Reflection: Regularly reflecting on one’s work and seeking feedback ensures alignment with artistic goals and promotes continuous improvement.

Website and Socials:
www.sydnielmosley.com
X: @slmdances
Instagram: slmdances
Facebook: Sydnie L. Mosley Dances
LinkedIn: Sydnie L. Mosley

If you enjoyed this episode with the amazing Sydnie L. Mosley, please take a moment to visit and support her work by checking out her website and following her on social media. Your support means the world! Also, don’t forget to rate and review this episode—it really helps us reach more listeners. And if you love what we’re doing, consider supporting us on Patreon. Your contributions help keep this podcast going strong. Thank you!

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

If you have a story about art, culture, or community in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on “The Truth In This Art” podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on “The Truth In This Art” with Rob Lee.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About “The Truth In This Art“

Hosted by Rob Lee, “The Truth In This Art” podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore. 

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