As a choreographer, recognition brings opportunity. However, making a name for yourself comes with certain drawbacks. When audiences and funders have particular expectations, taking your work in a new direction is more than just an artistic risk: It can mean losing favor with the people you need to sustain your work. How can a choreographer […]

Before he even knew what a choreographer really was, Keenan Cooks was certain that’s what he would do. Growing up in Boston, he looked up to his mom, who was a dancer. But he didn’t have a game plan for his career until he took part in Rhapsody James’ Motivating Excellence program. “That set this […]

Lights up on Washington Heights—because the trailer for the movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical In the Heights has arrived. It’s our first look into Lin-Manuel Miranda’s latest venture into film—because LMM isn’t stopping at three Tony awards, a Grammy award, and an Emmy. As an added bonus, we get to take a first […]

“Is everyone okay?” was my most used sentence during my time with American Ballet Theatre. There I was, leading world-class ABT dancers through my own choreographic process. I knew that it was unlike anything they’d ever experienced, but I think half of the time I was asking that question, it was really directed to myself. […]

Choreography & Creative Direction by Zoe Rappaport Dancers: Zen Waterford & Micah Moch Director of Photography: Sam Gostnell Music: “Unspoken Words” by The Soil Filmed at LA Center Studios The Studio School Los Angeles, CA Don’t forget to enter your video for a chance to win our November contest!

Last month, Kyle Abraham was announced as one of the six choreographers contributing new work to New York City Ballet’s 2018-19 season. In its 70-year history, NYCB has only commissioned four black choreographers—all men: John Alleyne and Ulysses Dove in 1994, Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Robert Garland in collaboration with Robert LaFosse in 2000, and […]

Choreographer Sergio Trujillo asked the women auditioning for ensemble roles in his newest musical to arrive in guys’ clothing—”men’s suits, or blazers and ties,” he says. He wasn’t being kinky or whimsical. The entire ensemble of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical is female, playing men and women interchangeably as they unfold the history of the […]

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 […]