Movement Director/Choreographer Zoe Rappaport
Photographed by Andreea Radutoiu

Throughout the years we’ve met incredible people within the dance film community. We have decided to do an interview series to spotlight these individuals!

Zoe Rappaport is a Movement Director and Choreographer based out of Los Angeles, CA. Zoe’s film “Unspoken Words” was an official selection of our 2019 film fest.

How did you get into dance filmmaking?

My introduction to dance filmmaking began at the Advanced Choreography Intensive at The Studio School (which, unfortunately, no longer exists). In the program, I learned choreography for the camera and composition from teachers like Mark Marchillo, Jason Coosner & James Tabeek. My understanding of the genre of screendance deepened when I began working as the Creative Producer for Dare to Dance in Public Film Festival (D2D) with award-winning director/choreographer Sarah Elgart over 2 years ago. Through D2D, I've had the opportunity to watch hundreds of dance films from around the world while learning from the invaluable insights of renowned professionals in the field such as Kristy Edmunds, Renae Williams Niles, Tony Testa, and of course — Sarah.

What draws you to dance filmmaking?

In addition to being a dancer, I am a visual artist. My choreographic approach involves looking at the big picture. Dance is as much a visual form for me as it is kinesthetic. Dance filmmaking brings in an added element with the ability to look at your movement & make decisions about how to manipulate it to create something new. My editing process feels a lot like collaging to me...which I have always loved to do :)

What is your favorite quote?

"we came whirling

out of nothingness

scattering stars

like dust

the stars made a circle

and

In The Middle

We Dance."

-Rumi

Choreography or Improvisation. What do you prefer and why?

I love both and don't see them as so separate. My choreographic process begins with improvisation. I leave space within my dances for improvisation//movement-in-the-moment to come through — giving the dancers autonomy to make their own choices and be an active part of the creative and choreographic process.

List three adjectives that describe you as an artist

Intuition-driven; Non-linear; Follow the flow

Zoe is holding a MENTORSHIP 4 DANCERS:
A 6-Session Biweekly Online OR In-Person Program to Deepen into your Artistry & Creative Entrepreneurship. The deadline is September 29th.

You can learn more about Zoe here www.rappaportdance.com

Instagram @zoe.rappaport

Unspoken Words dance film Zoe Rappaport, Dancer Zen Waterford — Still from "Unspoken Words" dance film by Zoe Rappaport
Dancer: Zen Waterford
Images provided by Zoe Rappaport