In response to a national reckoning with racial injustice, Complexions Contemporary Ballet makes a powerful contribution to the conversation with its film “Black is Beautiful.” The company’s artistic directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson choreographed movement to a spoken word piece by poets Terrell Lewis, Aicha Therese, Mr. Reed and Poetess Jess. An introduction prefacing […]
Yannick Lebrun is obsessed with music. “I listen to all kinds—world music, gospel, R&B, reggae, Caribbean, African. There’s so much on my playlist,” says the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company member. Lebrun relies on different playlists before each performance to boost his energy or help him get into the mood of the piece. “Also, […]
Ending a long-term relationship is never easy, and, for couples connected both personally and professionally, it’s particularly complicated. But as these six leaders explain, it’s possible to cut ties romantically while remaining a creative team. Staying Power: Sheila Lewandowski and Brian Rogers Courtesy The Chocolate Factory Co-founders, The Chocolate Factory Theater They dated long-distance after graduating […]
Limitations foster creativity. While unable to gather in person due to COVID-19, dancers, choreographers and companies have taken to the internet to create new projects conceived for the digital sphere. Here are just a few of our favorites. Redefining Bravery Mei Yamanaka in her as sure as sure can be Mei Yamanaka, Courtesy Ladenheim Curated […]
Like almost everything happening right now, New York City Dance Alliance Foundation’s college scholarship auditions looked a little different this year. Rather than sweating it out in a packed hotel ballroom, the dancers logged onto Zoom from whatever space they had available. After taking a ballet class, they learned a grand allegro combination from Ashley […]
Just because “social distancing” means your classes got canceled, your dance training doesn’t need to stop. There are several online dance classes that can keep your technique sharp from home. STEEZY STEEZY focuses on various urban dance styles like house, dancehall, krump, breaking, whacking and heels. The interface allows you to view the instructor from […]
From 1961 to 1994, legendary photographer Jack Mitchell captured thousands of moments with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Now, this treasure trove of dance history is available to the public for viewing via the online archives of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The collection includes both color and black-and-white images […]
Drew Jacoby and Rubinald Pronk give ballet a whole new image. When Drew Jacoby and Rubinald Pronk take the stage, the collective gasp by the audience is audible. What is it about these two electric dancers, whose movements eat up space, all crazy limbs and sultry slink? Many feel they are remarkable for their height, […]
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.