Meaghan Novoa (They/She) is a Dancer and Choreographer of Latinx and Jewish descent originally from the metro Atlanta area.
They grew up training in their hometown of Newnan, GA where they studied Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance at studios such as Classical Dance Theatre, Newnan School Of Dance, and Southern Arc Dance Center. As a student, they supplemented this training by taking open classes at Atlanta Ballet’s school and attending regional summer intensives, including American Ballet Theatre’s intensive at The University of Alabama.
At 18, they started their professional career and have performed with companies such as Southern Arc Dance Theatre, City Gate Dance Theater, Room To Move Dance Company, Professional Bodies, Automal Dance Company, Idaho Dance Theatre, and Bautanzt Here.
They have presented their choreography in multiple cities with some highlights including The Modern Atlanta Dance Festival, Treefort Music Festival (Boise, ID), Mixtape Dance Festival (Atlanta, GA), Fertile Ground Festival (Portland, OR), Fall For Fall Dance Festival (Atlanta), Dance ATL's AM collab program, and the 2023 Beltline After Dark Festival.
They have received multiple grants and Artist Residencies for their choreography including from Idaho Commission On The Arts, MING Studios (Boise,ID), Boise City Department Of Arts & History, Surel’s Place (Garden City, ID), LED Boise, Atlanta Contemporary/Dance Canvas, Art On The Beltline (Atlanta), Decatur School Of Ballet, A&E Atlanta, The City Of Atlanta's Mayor's Office Of Cultural Affairs and South Arts.
Their most recent work as a dancer and choreographer has included multimedia collaborations with visual artists and composers from across the country.
Meaghan acknowledges the influence of all past teachers, directors, choreographers, dancers, collaborators, etc. that they have worked with, all whom have inspired and elevated them as a dancer, choreographer, and artist.
When Meaghan isn't rehearsing, they teach Pilates at Contour Pilates Atlanta and CORE Ormewood and enjoy spending time with their partner, Cameron and cat, Ginger.
Photo by Jordan Young
Artist Statement:
I use my choreography to create my own ideal world, centering my queer and neurodivergent perspectives as well as exploring the intersectionality of my heritage as a Latinx and Jewish person. In my process, I use task-based exercises and memory recall as tools to start improvisational movement. From these improvisations, I pull visceral gestures that I later translate into more technical choreographic phrases to share with the dancers. This process aids my immersion into each created “world” where the dance takes place.
