What These 9 Stars Would Be Doing If They Weren't Dancers

It can be hard to imagine life without—or just after—dance. Perhaps that’s why we find it so fascinating to hear what our favorite dancers think they’d be doing if they weren’t performing for a living. We’ve been asking stars about the alternate career they’d like to try in our “Spotlight” Q&A series, and their answers—from […]

Do Company Ranking Systems Help or Hinder Dancers?

Over eight years, Sasha Mukhamedov rose through Dutch National Ballet to become a principal dancer in 2016. Of its ranks—aspirant, élève, corps de ballet, coryphée, grand sujet, soloist and principal—she skipped élève and grand sujet along the way. “In having these levels, if you feel you’ve done well and your director is happy and promotes […]

10 Ballets For When You'd Rather Watch Your Literature

When American Ballet Theatre announced yesterday that it would be adding Jane Eyre to its stable of narrative full-lengths, the English nerds in the DM offices (read: most of us) got pretty excited. Cathy Marston’s adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel was created for England’s Northern Ballet in 2016, and, based on the clips that […]

10 Ballets For When You'd Rather Watch Your Literature

When American Ballet Theatre announced yesterday that it would be adding Jane Eyre to its stable of narrative full-lengths, the English nerds in the DM offices (read: most of us) got pretty excited. Cathy Marston’s adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel was created for England’s Northern Ballet in 2016, and, based on the clips that […]

Michaela DePrince Is Getting A Biopic—And Madonna Is Directing It

Ever since we heard that Michaela DePrince‘s memoir, Taking Flight, was going to be a movie, we’ve been on the edge of our seats waiting for more info. Almost three years later, it’s been worth the wait—we just learned that the Queen of Pop herself will be directing DePrince’s biopic. “Michaela’s journey resonated with me […]

Here's What Some of Our Favorite Ballet Dancers Got Up to on Vacation

Throughout the summer, we’ve been noticing beachside views and scenic waterfalls sprinkled in with all of the usual rehearsal and performance posts we see from ballet’s biggest stars. But even while enjoying some sun and relaxation, dancers like Sara Mearns and Michaela DePrince prove that they never really take a break from ballet. Ahead, check […]

This Syrian Refugee Is Using Dance to Defy Terrorism

Dance is a powerful form of expression, and Ahmad Joudeh is using its influence to promote peace. The 27-year-old is a Palestinian refugee, whose decision to pursue his passion for ballet has made him the target of death threats from terrorist organizations. Despite the danger, Joudeh has decided to continue on his path as a […]