The Pitfalls and Perks of Launching Your Career on a Reality Competition Show
Reality TV competitions have given dance a larger platform and inspired a new generation of young people to step into a studio.
What's Shirlene Quigley's Love Language? Dance
Dance is my love language. It’s the way I spread joy around the world. It’s my superpower, the purpose God gave me and one of the main reasons I smile. I’m full of feelings, although some people may not know it because I am quite reserved, private and almost shy at times. Dance is the […]
Los Angeles-Based Ballerinas, Listen Up! Lizzo Wants You
Last summer, Lizzo put out a call on Twitter asking her fans to make a ballet to her song “Truth Hurts,” and dancers everywhere responded (our favorites still might be Harper Watters and Erica Lall). But now, Lizzo has fully proven herself to be a bunhead at heart: Last night, she put out a plea […]
Lizzo's Choreographer on Why Plus-Size Dancers Shouldn't Be a "Specialty" Act
I started working as Lizzo’s choreographer and live-show artistic director last January. She has a vision: She wants to put curvy dancers in her performances, because they are deserving. And I was so down. But when we had our first casting call, an agency open call in Los Angeles, our top agencies only had two […]
After a Brain Tumor, Doctors Told Him He'd Never Dance Again. Now He Works With J. Lo, Cardi B and Lizzo
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 […]
The Best Dance of 2019, According to Dance Magazine Contributors
Here are the moves, moments and makers that grabbed Dance Magazine editors and writers this year: The Dancers Smashing Stereotypes: Lizzo’s Posse 2019 was the year of Lizzo. The positivity clap-back queen had women everywhere dancing. But we took special note of who she chose to perform alongside her at major events like the BET […]
We Rounded Up All the Best Dancing at the 2019 VMAs
The MTV Video Music Awards are really a dancer’s dream awards show. Think about it: we get to hear our favorite songs sung live, see the music industry’s brightest stars decked out in ridiculous, over-the-top costumes, and watch some insanely full-out performances, courtesy of the dance world’s most talented dancers and choreographers. This year’s VMAs […]
Lizzo Challenged the Internet to Make a Ballet to "Truth Hurts," and Dancers Everywhere Are Responding
On August 20, pop goddess Lizzo tweeted, “Someone do a ballet routine to truth hurts pls,” referring to the anthem that’s been top on everyone’s playlists this summer. Lizzo might not know it yet, but ballet dancers are not known for shying away from a challenge. In the past two days, the internet has exploded […]