Meet Maria Caruso

We recently connected with Maria Caruso and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence and self-esteem have been cultivated through a lifetime of overcoming challenges and maintaining a positive vision for myself. As the Founding Director of Bodiography, my dedication to ballet has required immense discipline and perseverance. Developing my brand and observing its global impact have reinforced my belief in my abilities and purpose. My work in classrooms, on stages, and in film and television, along with training future artists, has demonstrated my adaptability and leadership. The supportive communities that I am now a part of has provided a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.

My global performances and humanitarian efforts have allowed me to connect with diverse cultures, enriching both my life and those I engage with. By sharing my story and striving to inspire others, I’ve developed my confidence. My family and friends have also played a crucial role in supporting and encouraging me throughout my journey. Despite my challenges, I’ve always maintained a positive outlook for myself, believing in my potential and striving for continuous improvement.

Overall, my journey is deeply intertwined with my professional achievements, positive impact on others, leadership roles, and a strong community support system. My global outreach and dedication to making a difference have given me a profound sense of fulfillment and self-worth.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Maria Angelica Caruso, and I am a multifaceted artist from Pittsburgh with a passion for dance, choreography, acting, production, academia, and entrepreneurship. Under my Bodiography brand, I lead initiatives in arts, education, entertainment, and wellbeing. My work spans four performance companies, a dance conservatory, a fitness program, and a dance movement therapy system, prioritizing health, wellness, and community impact through partnerships with institutions like La Roche University.

As a creator, I am most excited about the continuous growth of Bodiography and its transformative impact on lives worldwide. Aside from a renowned dance company, the success of the Bodiography Fitness and Strength Training System (BFSTS) and the Dance Movement Therapy System, which merge my passion for dance and therapeutic practices, thrills me. As a performer, I eagerly anticipate my new solo show in the West End of London in fall 2024, following the success of my last solo show, Metamorphosis.

Collaborations with esteemed dance companies, ventures into acting, and founding production companies broaden my creative influence and excite me. My dedication to inclusivity, wellness, and philanthropic efforts in arts education, advocacy, and social justice drives my hunger to inspire positive change globally. Through my artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit, I aim to uplift communities, fostering creativity and connection through the arts.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey have been resilience, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to community engagement. My journey has been filled with immense challenges, from my early start in rural Pennsylvania to the rigorous demands of a professional career in the arts in big cities across the globe. Resilience has been crucial in overcoming these obstacles and maintaining a positive vision for myself. For those early in their journey, I advise embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and staying focused on long-term goals. Building a support network of mentors, friends, and family can provide encouragement and perspective during tough times. Pair yourself with people that you admire and respect, ask questions, and learn from them.

My multifaceted career spanning dance, choreography, acting, production, academia, and entrepreneurship has shown the importance of being versatile. Adapting to various roles and continuously learning new skills has allowed me to expand my influence and impact. For those starting out, I recommend exploring different areas within your field and staying open to new opportunities. Diversifying your skill set can make you more adaptable and buoyant in the face of industry changes.

Connecting with and uplifting communities has been a cornerstone of my work, from the Bodiography brand’s health and wellness initiatives to my global performances and humanitarian efforts. Engaging with communities has provided a sense of purpose and fulfillment. My advice is to seek ways to contribute to and connect with your community, whether through volunteer work, collaborations, or other forms of engagement. Building strong community ties can enhance your personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on others. By focusing on these areas, you can build a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling journey. Embrace challenges, stay adaptable, and remain committed to making a difference in your community.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The person who has been most impactful in my life, aside from my parents and the village of humans who nurtured the skills I needed to succeed, is my husband. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in my potential have been instrumental in my journey. He has been a constant source of strength, helping me build resilience in the face of challenges. His insights and guidance have contributed significantly to my versatility, enabling me to navigate various roles in dance, choreography, acting, production, academia, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, his commitment to our shared values has reinforced my dedication to community engagement, inspiring me to connect with and uplift communities through my work. His influence has been pivotal in shaping my career and personal growth, providing me with the foundation to thrive and make a positive impact on the world.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Bernd Rac, Maria Caruso, Alan Russell

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