In a competitive dance world where students train to conquer the next big thing, it can feel like historic modern techniques—from Graham to Horton to Cunningham—just aren’t a priority. But the truth is, these styles are just as relevant today as when they were created. University of Taipei students in José Limón’s work. PC Yi-Chun […]

How do dancers get by on a first-year paycheck? Three new professionals told us how they make it work. When dancers sign their first contract, they envision themselves working with star choreographers and performing in foreign theaters. But the logistical realities of a career in the performing arts can quickly overshadow the excitement of life […]

At home and on tour, this Martha Graham Dance Company principal stays centered with yoga––on her iPad.     Chien-Pott in Nacho Duato’s Depak Ine. Photo by Yi-Chun Wu.   PeiJu Chien-Pott doesn’t have much time for cross-training. As a principal with the Martha Graham Dance Company, plus a wife and a mother to a […]

Paul Taylor re-envisions PTDC; Graham Company archives its work.   Paul Taylor in rehearsal with his PTDC. Photo by Whitney Browne. The last time a modern dance visionary announced plans for the future of his company, it was Merce Cunningham. The strategy: to let his troupe go out with a bang—and then disband—when he died. […]

Reshaping Graham for new audiences   When Martha Graham formed her company in 1926, it was the start of a dance revolution. But for those dedicated to keeping the Graham flame alive—namely Janet Eilber, artistic director of Martha Graham Dance Company—the foremost question is, How can a company formed 87 years ago be relevant today? […]

Flying High at 10 Donald Byrd’s 10th season at Spectrum Dance Theater has been chock-full: a national tour of his Theater of Needless Talents, Byrd’s homage to artists who perished in the Holocaust; the premiere of A Meeting Place last winter; and a DanceMotion USA goodwill trip to Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. This month, […]