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 […]
As a reigning ballerina of Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ashley Murphy put in her time. A dancer of razor-sharp technique and plush musicality, she first joined the company before its 2004 disbanding—when Arthur Mitchell was in charge—and continued during its rebirth under Virginia Johnson. Murphy served as a bridge between the old and the new. […]
Like other little girls, you fall in love with ballet in a dark theater, and lean over to your mother to ask, “Can I do that?” But then you step into a world where no one resembles you—not the receptionist, your teacher, your classmates or the people in the posters on the wall. You feel […]
Misty Copeland’s well-chronicled journey to becoming the first female African American principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre has helped jumpstart conversations about racial representation in ballet companies. But how Copeland’s success may influence ballet training still remains to be seen. Of course, she’s already helped launch ABT’s Project Plié, which seeks to boost racial and […]
The Dance Theatre of Harlem dancer uses her weekend to work on problem areas. Salvatto rehearsing in the DTH studios. Photo by Quinn Wharton, Courtesy Pointe. Gabrielle Salvatto doesn’t let a moment go to waste. She sees every day as an opportunity to get stronger, and even keeps a Pilates reformer in […]
World premieres and stellar festivals fill April’s calendar. Burgess’ dancers in Homage. Photo by Mary Noble Ours, Courtesy Burgess. DC Dreaming WASHINGTON, DC Science, history and research are the pride of the Smithsonian. Now, the world’s largest museum complex is also gaining a foothold in dance with its first artist in residence, Dana Tai […]
Ellington’s Nut at the Apollo While the Apollo is a mecca for musical performers, the Harlem theater has a long heritage as a hub for dance. “From Honi Coles and Bojangles to John Bubbles, the Nicholas Brothers, the Hines Brothers, and Sammy Davis Jr.—practically every tap artist performed here at some point,” says Mikki […]
Alison Roper, Paul DeStrooper, and Damian Drake of Oregon Ballet Theatre in Kudelka’s Almost Mozart. Photo by Blaine Truitt Covert, Courtesy Kennedy Center. In the five years since the Kennedy Center launched its Ballet Across America celebration, the focus has shifted from larger companies to those smaller in size, but large in impact. In this […]