Dionne Figgins, appointed artistic director of Ballet Tech in 2021, brings extensive professional experience and a deep investment in education to her leadership role at this unique New York City public school that combines academics and classical ballet training.

We all have dance teachers in our lives. Whether a beloved studio owner, guest teacher, mentor, friend, or even parent, these educators play an irreplaceable role in our experiences with dance and beyond. Now is your chance to show your thanks. The National Dance Education Organization believes in its mantra: “Behind every dancer who believes in […]

For Jody Gottfried Arnhold, dance and dance education are one and the same. The visionary philanthropist has spent her career dedicated to transforming the lives of New York City’s public school students through dance.

In 2001, young Chanel, a determined, ambitious, fiery, headstrong teenager, was about to begin her sophomore year at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, also known as the highly acclaimed “Fame” school. I was a great student, a promising young dancer and well-liked by my teachers and my peers. On paper, […]

Great dance educators with smart, scientific teaching practices are invaluable to the dance field. How else could we create healthy, beautiful dancers? The International Association of Dance Medicine and Science is looking to honor someone who’s made a substantial impact through teaching with its annual Dance Educators Award—and the committee is asking for nominations. The […]

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been stereotyped as stupid because you’re a dancer. Raise your other hand if that misconception boils your blood. Well, you’re in luck: One researcher is determined to set the record straight. Moving our bodies involves thinking, communicating and understanding the world around us. Photo by Maria Badasian/Unsplash Dr. Matthew […]

I have always felt a need to communicate and, even more importantly, to be understood. But as a child, I always hit an emotional wall when trying to speak. Although my great-aunt Rose had no connection to dance, she intuitively saw that I needed an outlet, and recommended that I take a movement class. It […]