Finding Joy in Movement A new documentary captures Mark Morris’ wildly successful Dance for PD program. David Leventhal leading a Dance for PD class. Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, Courtesy Leventhal. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, Joy Esterberg struggles daily with several neurological and motor-related symptoms: “mushy arms” that don’t move properly, a slower […]
It was the shot heard ’round the dance world: On Friday, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet announced that this will be the company’s final season. A notice on its website says that the troupe will still fulfill its Boston and Brooklyn performances, though its upcoming audition and Cedar Lake 180º summer program have been cancelled. No […]
What the ever-expanding repertoires of today’s companies mean for dancers The Bolshoi Ballet in Tatiyana Baganova’s The Rite of Spring; Photo by Damir Yusupov, Courtesy Bolshoi When principal dancer Robert Fairchild originated the standout role in Spectral Evidence, a 2013 creation by Angelin Preljocaj for New York City Ballet, he fell in love with the […]
Choose an improv method that will challenge your weaknesses. Freedman (left) practices a phrase in the studio. Photo by Anna Maynard, Courtesy Helen Simoneau. Often, the key to growing as a dancer is getting out of a mental or physical rut. One solution? Improvisation. Its unpredictable, uncomfortable challenges can help dancers find their voices while […]
On her first season with Ailey, from life on tour to tackling new rep Photo by Erin Baiano for Dance Spirit. Samantha Figgins recently made a big career leap. She left behind Complexions Contemporary Ballet—and set aside her pointe shoes—to become one of a handful of dancers at Alvin Ailey American Dance […]
Repertory workshops give dancers a chance to experience a choreographer’s process. Alexandra Damiani rehearsing with dancers during Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet’s repertory workshop. Photo by Ally Duffy, Courtesy Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. Although master classes and summer intensives can be a great way to hone technique, many dancers are hungry to grasp […]
The former ballet master is now artistic director of Cedar Lake. Cedar Lake in Crystal Pite’s Grace Engine. Photo by Julieta Cervantes, Courtesy BAM. When Benoit-Swan Pouffer resigned as artistic director of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet in May 2013, ballet master Alexandra Damiani filled his spot in the interim. This April, in the midst […]
BODYTRAFFIC isn’t the kind of company you expect to find in Los Angeles. Sure, the city has long been a major dance hub, employing hundreds of dancers for work in film and TV. But palm trees and ocean breezes have rarely been associated with gritty contemporary choreography. Yet in just seven years, BODYTRAFFIC has emerged […]
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