Can We Please Stop Using the Term “World Dance”?

It’s time for our field to retire the phrase “world dance.” What does it even mean? Aren’t all dances “of the world,” whether its ballet’s embedded history of Renaissance elites’ court spectacles, or embodying the orishas in Afro-Cuban dance? Typically, it’s an intermediary—a manager, a producer, a critic—who labels something as “world dance.” The term […]

Exclusion Is Oppression: From Pedagogy to Performance

Colonialism and slavery violently disrupted the histories of Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). White folks appointed themselves tellers of all stories, and their viewpoints have rewritten, erased or entirely excluded other narratives. BIPOC dance artists have, for long, felt this exclusion while being exploited. This exclusion is still the source of trauma for […]

My Life as an Invisible Black Choreographer

The day I fell in love with ballet was the day I signed myself up for what now seems like a life of invisibility. Despite clear talent, I grew up with teachers who ignored me in class; it made me work harder. I went on to a performance career with Oakland Ballet, North Carolina Dance […]

Hip-Hop Choreographer Luam Is Using Her Voice to Spark Change

Having taught around the world and created for the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna and Alicia Keys, Luam Keflezgy has established herself as one of the most respected choreographers in the dance industry. Her recognition stems from not only her creative expertise, but her flawless ability to use movement as a vessel for her unique voice. […]

The Majority of College Dance Programs Focus on Western Techniques—and It's Shortchanging Students' Artistry

Nyama McCarthy-Brown, assistant professor of community engagement through dance pedagogy at Ohio State University, breaks down the need for more inclusive dance training in higher ed. The Numbers “We have over 600 college dance programs in the United States, and less than 10 of them focus on something other than ballet or modern,” says McCarthy-Brown […]

Op-Ed: Where is Your Outrage? Where is Your Support?

For the last five years the dance world, and specifically the ballet world, has been enrolled in the mission to understand and implement diversity, equity and inclusion into the field at all levels. A great deal of funding has been allocated towards efforts of education and training, consultants have been hired, conferences and seminars attended. […]