GENERAL INTERVIEW

Move to Live: Exploring the intersection of movement and life

Published on July 16, 2024

Move to Live is a weekly podcast from acclaimed choreographer Akram Khan exploring the transformative power of movement with a range of interesting guests. The podcast launched in June and has already featured interviews with actor and director Andy Serkis, artist and stage designer Es Devlin, and violinist and author Izzy Judd. We caught up with Akram to ask him some questions about his podcast…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Akram Khan. I’m a dancer, choreographer, and director, and I’ve made movement into my life and work. Move to Live, brought to you by Marquee TV, explores the profound questions that arise from the intersection of movement and life, such as: How does the way we move affect how we think and behave? What happens if we don’t get the opportunity to move? How does movement play a part in life apart from dance? I have always wanted to talk with creative people about these questions.

What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?

I’m really interested in other people’s stories and their connection to music. And so I enjoy listening to BBC Radio’s Desert Island Discs. Music has always played such an important part in my life. One of my fondest podcasting memories is being interviewed for the show. The presenter, Kirsty Young, has an amazing voice for radio. I also enjoy BBC Radio 4’s Homeschool History (mostly with my kids) and Gimlet Media’s The Habitat.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Connecting with our bodies is essential; without this connection, we can’t fully engage with the world around us. Our physicality shapes our relationship with everything outside of ourselves. Movement has always been my way of communicating. I wanted to explore this connection with people who aren’t necessarily dancers. I’m curious about their relationship to movement. It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while now and it’s been an enlightening journey.

Akram Khan and Andy Serkis

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Joe Rogan’s podcast intrigues me. His show hosts such a diverse range of guests and while I don’t always agree with them, often I am interested in hearing what they have to say and how they choose to respond.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

I’m really interested in film so it would be amazing to speak to Christopher Nolan and Steve McQueen. Their insights and stories would be absolutely fascinating.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

For me, being on the receiving end of interviews is familiar territory but conducting them is a whole new experience. It has been incredibly enlightening to be the one guiding the conversation so that my guests feel comfortable in sharing their own ideas and stories.

(Left) Akram Khan and Izzy Judd
(Right) Es Devlin and Akram Khan

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

The first episode is a conversation between Susannah Simons, Director of Content at Marquee TV, and myself; it’s a good introduction to the series. Suzannah interviews me and really, she sets the tone for the insightful discussions to come.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

I don’t have social media but you can find out more about what I am up to through my Company at www.akramkhancompany.net and on social media, Instagram: @akramkhancompany and Facebook: AkramKhanCompany.