Attending the right summer intensive at the right time can be life-changing—and potentially career-launching. But it’s up to you to make the most of the experience. From building your technique to trying new styles to expanding your network, getting everything you want from an intensive takes focus and planning. Strategize for success with these tips […]

Q: Why donate millions to The Juilliard School and Ailey, plus an undisclosed sum to launch University of Southern California’s new Glorya Kaufman School of Dance? “I wish everyone would turn on the music and dance. It helps in so many ways to make life happier and more interesting.” Q: Do you feel the role […]

Judith Jamison was always going to be a tough act to follow. But in the six years since Robert Battle took the helm of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, he’s launched a new era for the iconic troupe. Take last season: Battle revived Ailey’s Masekela Langage, pushed the envelope with Kyle Abraham’s new Untitled America […]

This week marks three years since brilliant and beloved poet Maya Angelou passed at the age of 86. And of course, we’re taking the time to remember timeless works like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. But we also discovered something that makes us love Angelou even more—and gives us a new perspective on […]

When Ashley Mayeux joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater last summer after four years with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, she was already a versatile mover accustomed to a demanding schedule. But the career move came with several challenges. Here’s how she’s tackled them: To get used to the rep: “I had to take a lot more […]

Michael McBride and Samuel Roberts both joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in June 2009, but they were at very different points in their careers: McBride was just finishing his junior year in the Ailey/Fordham BFA program, while Roberts was already 10 years into his career. They were paired as roommates on their first domestic […]

Chalvar Monteiro saw his first Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance at 12 and was smitten. Today, at 28, he’s a lithe, elegantly understated member of the company. But he’s experienced some happy detours along the way—namely as a dancer with MacArthur-winning choreographer Kyle Abraham, as well as Sidra Bell and Larry Keigwin. After a […]

In this moment of history, choreographers of all walks of life are addressing racism and violence through dance. But this is not a new trend. For as long as this country has struggled with racial discrimination, dance has been a way to bring community together, a way to share a message and a way to […]