Spotlight On: Erin Morris for Women’s History Month
Erin Morris has been teaching, performing, and competing in jazz and swing dancing for over 20 years. She has enjoyed international artist residencies in Vienna, Berlin, and Krakow but above all loves contributing regularly to her local communities and students. Erin received her MFA in Dance in 2023 from Washington University in St Louis and is now adjunct faculty. Her art-making focus has been on blending her background in Black social jazz dance with personal explorations in postmodernism, and she finds that all paths return her to the importance of improvisation and collaboration with musicians. This year she launched a new project, Jazz Shift, with her partner Steve Davis, who is a renowned jazz drummer.
Who are some female artists (dance or non-dance) who inspire you and why?: I love older female artists who are rebellious and a little bit "witchy." Alice Notley, PJ Harvey, and Trisha Brown come to mind. It's my greatest wish, as I mature as an artist, to get less apologetic, more loving, and less legible. The women that have made me lean in, made me uncomfortable and even a bit scared, that have made me laugh and gasp... I love them so much and the paths they illuminate.
Favorite female-owned business(es) in St. Louis?: This is where I'd love to highlight another female artist who inspires me AND runs a great business! Huge shout out to Maria Majors, founder and executive director of STL Rhythm Collaborative. She is a gorgeous tap dancer, generous teacher, brilliant creator and collaborator, and an overall badass boss babe.
Connect with Erin:
Instagram @erinmorrisjazz
Youtube @aileenmerin
http://www.erinmorrisjazz.com