Modern dance star Bobbi Jene Smith has been making her way into the film world over the past few years—from choreographing for Natalie Portman in Annihilation to starring in Mari—and we have been consistently drooling over the results. Her latest project, Aviva, an independent film from director Boaz Yakin (best known for 2000’s Remember the […]

Here are the moves, moments and makers that grabbed Dance Magazine editors and writers this year: The Dancers Smashing Stereotypes: Lizzo’s Posse 2019 was the year of Lizzo. The positivity clap-back queen had women everywhere dancing. But we took special note of who she chose to perform alongside her at major events like the BET […]

What a night. The Dance Magazine Awards yesterday at the Ailey Citigroup Theater was jam-packed with love for dance. From legendary icons to early-career choreographers we can’t stop obsessing over, the Dance Magazine Awards, presented by the Dance Media Foundation, recognized a wide spectrum of our field. And with more performances than ever before, the […]

All net proceeds from the Dance Magazine Awards ceremony go towards the Harkness Promise Awards, which grant $5,000 and 40 hours of studio space to innovative young choreographers. This year’s awardees are Bobbi Jene Smith and Caleb Teicher. Bobbi Jene Smith Bobbi Jene Smith never held anything back onstage as a dancer, and today she […]

In a sun-soaked studio in Manhattan, members of the Martha Graham Dance Company (all women) lie on the floor with their feet and heads hovering off the ground. Choreographer Bobbi Jene Smith encourages the dancers to be unapologetic about being looked at as their bodies begin to tremble with exhaustion and they move into a […]

At our cover shoot for the November issue, Bobbi Jene Smith curated one of the best lineups of YouTube music videos that I’ve heard in a long time. From Bob Dylan to Tom Waits, they felt like such perfect choices for her earthy, visceral movement and soulful approach to dance. A few hours into the […]

Even when marking a move in rehearsal, Bobbi Jene Smith seems to dance with her whole being. “It comes from the pelvis,” she says while directing a few of her fellow dancers in an undulating phrase. Her lower body spirals, pulling her torso behind it in one swift, visceral motion. “Always keep a bit of […]

I dance to remember. I dance to forget. I dance to contain. I dance for my mom and dad. I dance to show my love. I dance when I cannot speak. I dance when words won’t do any justice. I dance to connect with strangers. I dance to understand. I dance to feel differences. I […]