We had the good fortune of connecting with Najwa Seyedmorteza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Najwa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I decided to pursue an artistic path because I’ve always been extremely in tune with my emotions and imagination. My emotions always lead me into interesting gardens of wonder, and that intrigued me. I feel as though I see the world through a different lens. The lens captures emotions, colors, and transparency. I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller and I felt strongest when I was moving. I began to translate the stories that I saw in my head to my body. I’ve never felt more alive than I do when I’m creating movement. I chose to become a movement artist/choreographer because I can help myself let go of unwanted narratives/create new ones, while helping others feel, move, and also let go. As a society, we are very closed off when it comes to emotions. As artists, no matter the medium, you have to show vulnerability. This is what makes us human and ultimately makes us relatable to one another. No one wants to go through things alone, and it can help someone to see art reflect how they feel. I create a space where no one has to ever be alone. We heal through our art, and mine so happens to be movement. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As for my work, I always go into my creative process with a narrative in mind. I get inspiration from my surrounding environments, such as nature, pop culture, books, and music. I usually begin my process with writing down what I see in my head. I write as though it is a script, there is even a set description before the dialogue begins. When I do this, I can clearly see what I want and what I don’t want. I create characters that are based in reality with real issues to resolve. These characters are usually just jumping points for when the dancer takes over and infuses the character with their own personal touch. Emotion drives these narratives. The sets, costumes, and movements support what that character is going through at that moment. I am very inspired by pop art and color theory so that plays a lot in my work. I like to think that my work has an authenticity to it, it unveils the truth. It allows the dancers to be vulnerable, strong, and courageous. I like to push the boundaries on physical limitations as well. My work is extremely exhausting and physically demanding. I believe that when we break down our ego and forget how we look as dancers and we are just one with the movement, beauty comes through, honesty comes through. This is when the audience can most relate, they don’t see amazing technical dancers on stage, they see humans trying to resolve real issues. I am a very collaborative choreographer and the dancers I usually work with bring just as much to the project as I do. We discuss ideas, the narrative, the movements. It’s a very warm place to create in. I try to always create a safe environment for my collaborators.

As for my career, I graduated with my Master of Fine Arts in 2019 and I now am an Adjunct Professor at Tarrant County College. I am still in the beginning stages of my career, but I hope to begin a new project soon. I took a little break after graduate school, but I am fully ready to begin choreographing again. It is where I feel the best. I would love to create works for companies in and around Dallas. In the future, I hope to start my own company, become a university professor, and build a name for myself as a choreographer/ movement artist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely want to take them to Deep Ellum. It’s a cluster of art and culture and I enjoy that kind of scene. There is such a variety of restaurants, bars and shops to choose from. I really enjoy Select Start Arcade & Bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout my parents Rosa and Mohammad Seyedmorteza. I have been so lucky to have them in my corner. I will never be able to repay them for all the sacrifices they have made for me. My mother, a homemaker, is always there to make me feel better after a bad day and to lift my spirits. My father, a restaurant manager, immigrated to the United States from Kuwait when he was 18 and began working for a better life. He is the hardest working man I know. He always made sure that we were okay. I strive to be more like him every day. I have been blessed with them, and I know that their support is a direct reflection of my success. I love you, mom and dad. Thank you for everything.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanimorteza/
Other: https://vimeo.com/nanimorteza

Image Credits
Najwa Seyedmorteza, Anna Ryan, & Joyce Marshall

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.