Conversations with Mark DeGarmo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark DeGarmo.

Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I founded Mark DeGarmo Dance in 1982 after graduating from The Juilliard School Dance Division. I incorporated it as a nonprofit in 1987.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a New York nonprofit dance organization is interesting and challenging. The work requires activating multiple areas, including arts administration, leadership, board development, and funding sources. There are also the artistic, education, and intercultural community-building parts of our mission to accomplish.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My choreographic and performance work is varied. I am currently performing and broadcasting on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube monthly “Moveable Moments,” 30-second movement improvisations. In June, I presented a keynote at The 4th International Interdisciplinary Symposium Border/less 4.0: Beyond Crisis: New Acts of Creation organized by the Faculty of Art and Design at Beykoz University, Istanbul. I also curate and facilitate conversations with New York, US, and global movement and dance artists and the public on our “Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change” held the first Thursdays of February, March, and April. Our “Global Dance Circle for Social Change” seeks 10 seconds of your best moves in an environment to include in our annual winter solstice celebration video. So far, we have presented over 1500 artists across 6 continents, and 24 time zones. “Partnerships in Literacy through Dance & Creativity” is an evidence-based in-school program that the National Endowment for the arts deemed a national model.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Dr. Jose H. Cedillos (https://www.bricolageworks.us/about-the-artist), my graduate school mentor is a friend, Bricoleur and visual artist and theorist who grew up in East LA as part of a farm worker family. He continues to inspire and assist me as a reader for my work. There are too many others to call out by name because I don’t want to make anyone feel left out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://markdegarmodance.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdegarmodance
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markdegarmodancers/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-degarmo-phd-bfa-750188a7/?isSelfProfile=true
• Twitter: https://x.com/DeGarmo_MDD
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9zO3W90Sm70MkhZRQYBvBw

Image Credits
Top (L-R): Mark DeGarmo, Miss America 2019 Nia Imani Franklin, Callie Hatchett and students

Down Lt: Mark DeGarmo Dance’s students

Down Rt: Marie Baker-Lee and Mark DeGarmo in his Las Fridas: A Movement Installation and Offering. Photo Credit: Reiko Yanagi

Bottom: Mark DeGarmo Dance Board of Directors. Photo Credit: Jane Feldman