Op-Ed: Why We Need To Confront Bias in Dance Criticism

Points should be given to the dance world for beginning to address the issue of diversity. But have we ever taken into consideration who critiques dance—and the lack of diversity in that area of our community? Or how critics’ subconscious biases create barriers to the elevation of non-white artists?

5 Strategies To Help You Adapt to Any Choreographic Process

One choreographer wants to explore ideas through improvisation; another demands quick pickup of specific steps. One might demonstrate ideas physically; another may rely on language and gestures imbued with feeling. Puzzling out how to thrive in ever-changing creative environments is an ongoing practice, but a little preparation and the right mindset can go a long […]

Before #BlackLivesMatter: A Timeline

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 […]

And the Award Goes To…

Choreographer Camille A. Brown’s socially conscious work has resulted in major recognition Fana Fraser and Beatrice Capote in Brown’s BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play. Photo by Christopher Duggan, Courtesy Camille A. Brown. Camille A. Brown has always been an artist whose work is based on truth telling—about African-American culture, about racism past and present and how […]

The Feminine Critique

Women make up the vast majority of the dance world. Yet it’s no secret that they’re routinely passed over for leadership positions and choreography commissions, confronted with sexism in the studio and stymied by expectations of how female artists should look and behave. Here, 10 industry leaders open up, candidly sharing their stories, and offering […]

Camille A. Brown Takes Off With Two Awards in Two Weeks

Sometimes with artists, when it rains, it pours. That’s certainly the case for choreographer Camille A. Brown, who in the past two weeks has won two high-profile awards, in addition to keeping busy with her #BlackGirlMovement activism. Two weeks ago, Jacob’s Pillow announced they would be honoring Brown with the 10th Annual Jacob’s Pillow Award, […]

10 Minutes with Camille A. Brown

The choreographer’s year of outreach work with her Black Girl Spectrum initiative culminates in a premiere. Photo by Christopher Duggan, courtesy Camille A. Brown. Camille A. Brown’s pieces have unflinchingly addressed cultural, racial, gender and social justice issues. Her new work, BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play, takes her mission a step farther. Over the last year […]

Vital Signs

The Trocks in Swan Lake. Photo by Sascha Vaughn, Courtesy Les Ballets Trockadero.   En Travesti, A Treat Sometimes it’s hard to know whether to laugh or marvel at the Trocks. So why not do both? Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo bourrée into Philly’s Annenberg Center Dec. 13–15, then post up to NYC’s Joyce […]