In 1960, America was in the midst of a social transformation. The Supreme Court had ruled “separate but equal” unconstitutional six years prior, but the country’s response was slow and turbulent as desegregation incited violent responses. Surrounded by powerful civil rights momentum, a 29-year-old Alvin Ailey created an ode to the resilience of the human […]

It may be her eighteenth season with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, but Hope Boykin is showing no signs of slowing down. Not only is she one of the company’s most striking performers, but she’s proven that she’s a choreographer with something to say. The company will dance her powerful 2016 work, r-Evolution, Dream. again […]

While directing and choreographing the Paper Mill Playhouse production of the musical Bandstand, Andy Blankenbuehler found himself tied into knots. After the wild success of the juggernaut Broadway musical Hamilton, for which he would win the 2016 Tony Award for Best Choreography, he began comparing his unsatisfactory rehearsal rut to what he called “the best […]

OUT just released their round-up of the 100 most influential LGBTQ people of the year, and it features some familiar faces. In a list that included actors, musicians, writers and even military veterans, we were excited to see a few dance world icons included: Kyle Abraham Kyle Abraham (whose company, Abraham.In.Motion was featured on the […]

We may not all speak the same language, but we can all “speak” dance—an idea that’s celebrated in a totally joyful new short film, “Rue Montorgueil.” Featuring Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater members grooving alongside people of all different backgrounds and nationalities in one of Paris’ most famous streets, the vid is a beautiful illustration […]

What do Fred Astaire, Pina Bausch and Misty Copeland have in common? They are all part of one of the most prestigious groups in dance: the Dance Magazine Award recipients. A tradition that dates back to 1954, the Dance Magazine Awards celebrate the living legends who have made a lasting impact on our field. Today, […]

When I’m dancing, I feel so alive, like every single part of me that makes me who I am is participating in moving my body. When I was little, I wouldn’t stop dancing if I could help it. One of my favorite things to do was to pretend to be Gene Kelly in the backyard […]

All dancers work hard to hone technical skills and master thrilling moves. Musical dancers, however, offer something more. Their daring play with rhythm and their completely present reactions to the score make for bold performances that are mesmerizing to watch. But how can performers learn to let music drive the dance? We asked some of […]