We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Angelica Caruso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maria Angelica, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from an unwavering belief that my purpose on this earth is to leave it in a better place than how I found it. I follow my gut and lead with my soul, remaining transparent in how I show up and how I share my vision. I address challenges and fears in real time, using them as catalysts rather than obstacles. That commitment to purpose and honest, soulful leadership is what continually fuels my optimism.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At my core, I am a storyteller. Everything I create, whether through dance, film, fashion, or education, is rooted in shaping narratives that connect people, spark emotion, and invite reflection. I work across disciplines as an artist, choreographer, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur, building platforms that allow art to live beyond a single moment or medium.
What feels most exciting and special about my work is its expansiveness. I am constantly bridging worlds, bringing together performance, visual storytelling, education, and global collaboration to create work that is both deeply personal and widely accessible. I also see myself as a changemaker, someone who believes in using creativity as a tool for connection, growth, and social impact.
Professionally, I am focused on expanding my artistic ecosystem through new stage works, films, international collaborations, and entrepreneurial ventures that support artists and audiences alike. Whether I am developing new choreography, launching creative projects, or building educational and cultural initiatives, my guiding principle is purpose. I am committed to building something meaningful, sustainable, and human-centered, and to leaving a lasting, positive imprint through the stories I tell.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey the most were perseverance, relentlessness, and a constant desire to learn new skills and expand my knowledge. These qualities allowed me to keep moving forward, even when the path was unclear, and to grow into the artist and entrepreneur I am today.
My advice for those who are early in their journey is to remain pliable and stay open minded. Try new things, even when they feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, because that is where growth happens. Surround yourself with people, experiences, and cultures that challenge you, inspire you, and teach you to see the world in new ways. If you commit to learning and stay true to your purpose, you will always find your way.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one obstacle I am facing right now is staying sharp and adaptable in an ever-evolving global and economic climate. The post-pandemic landscape still feels heavy to me. Leadership is shifting across government and the private sector, interests are changing, and support for the arts has noticeably declined. National reports reflect this reality. Many arts and cultural organizations remain below their pre-pandemic attendance levels, overall foundation support for the arts has dropped significantly, and performing arts presenters and companies continue to feel the long-term economic impact of the pandemic years.
To overcome this challenge, I am focused on staying flexible and open to new ways of working. I continue to expand my skill set, explore different mediums, and seek out collaborations that help me remain relevant and connected to global audiences. I also return to my sense of purpose and creativity, trusting that resilience and curiosity will keep me moving forward, even when external support fluctuates. My goal is to build structures and platforms that can withstand uncertainty and still create meaningful impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodiography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metamorphosismac/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaCarusoMetamorphosis/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaangelicacaruso/
- Twitter: https://x.com/carusomtrain?lang=en
Image Credits
Photo by Fernanda Kirmayr
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