Episode 152 | Navigating Boundaries with Margot Gelber

Knowbox dance
1 day ago
3 min read

#152: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, host Martheya speaks with choreographer, filmmaker, and performer Margot Gelber about the emotional depth and collaborative process behind her award-winning dance film If I Were You — an official selection of the kNOwBOX dance Film Festival. Together, they explore how vulnerability and strength coexist in the creative process, how artistic leadership emerges through trust, and what it takes to translate an inner vision into movement on screen. Margot shares her approach to cultivating authentic collaboration and crafting choreography that lingers beyond the frame. Tune in to discover how emotional nuance, artistic clarity, and embodied trust intersect both on and off the screen. (35:22)

Chapters

00:00 Margot Gelber

00:45 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:34 Margot Gelber's Film Journey

05:04 Strategic Planning for Dance Films

07:49 Crowdfunding and Budgeting Insights

13:33 Promotion and Festival Submissions

17:49 Emerging Technologies in Dance

22:35 Creative Process and Collaboration

24:52 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

28:08 Current and Future Projects

32:54 Flash Four Segment

33:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Actionable Takeaways with Practical Tips

1. Lead Collaboratively, Not Hierarchically

“I really just try to listen to what my collaborators want, how they feel, and where they think the story should go — and then figure out how we can get there together.” – Margot Gelber

Practical Tip: Create an open dialogue from the beginning of a project. Ask your team what they need to feel creatively safe. Use shared brainstorming sessions or feedback circles during pre-production to ensure everyone feels ownership in the process.

2. Balance Emotional Vulnerability with Artistic Clarity

“My work always walks the line between vulnerability and strength. I want to create something that feels deeply honest, but still composed.” – Margot Gelber

Practical Tip: When crafting choreography or directing film movement, identify the emotional truth first. Then refine form and structure to support that feeling without overexplaining. The audience connects through emotion, not perfection.

3. Build Trust Through Long-Term Relationships

“In this film, I worked with people I’ve known for years — that trust let us dive deeper and take creative risks.” – Margot Gelber

Practical Tip: Invest in ongoing relationships with collaborators. Work on smaller projects together before bigger ones. Shared history creates a foundation for authentic storytelling and smoother communication under pressure.

4. Let the Story Decide the Setting

“Finding the location was about asking what served the story best — not just what looked beautiful.” – Margot Gelber

Practical Tip: When scouting or designing spaces, consider how the environment contributes emotionally. Ask: Does this space reflect the characters’ internal world? Let story and movement dictate visuals, not the other way around.

5. Embrace the Process — Pre to Post

“With film, there are so many stages — pre-production, production, post. Each one is its own creative act.” – Margot Gelber

Practical Tip: Approach each phase with a distinct mindset:

Pre-production: discovery and planning
Production: adaptability and intuition
Post: refinement and reflection
Celebrate creative evolution at every step rather than rushing to the finish line.

Bio

Margot Gelber is a choreographer and performer based in New York City. Her choreography has been presented at festivals and theaters both nationally and internationally including the 92nd Street Y, Jerusalem Theater, and Dance on Camera at Symphony Space. Her award-winning dance film If I Were You is streaming on Ovid and PBS All Arts, and has been featured at festivals such as Dance Camera West. A former member of Ate9 Dance Company.