It’s tricky to recognize Alejandro Alvarez Cadilla in the latest character he’s written for himself. The fictional Milton Frank—star of the new mockumentary series “Off Kilter”—is a moody choreographer whose tender ego is easily bruised as he attempts to revive his floundering career. Cadilla, on the other hand, is down-to-earth and humble; the actor/filmmaker loves […]

All dancers work hard to hone technical skills and master thrilling moves. Musical dancers, however, offer something more. Their daring play with rhythm and their completely present reactions to the score make for bold performances that are mesmerizing to watch. But how can performers learn to let music drive the dance? We asked some of […]

To hear the screaming throngs of teenagers, you might think this was a Beatles concert in 1964. But no, it’s dance students from all over the world joining together for the Youth America Grand Prix’s gala at Lincoln Center, excited to see some of the greatest stars in dance today. Their rafter-shaking enthusiasm was heartening […]

Spring performance season is in full swing! Here are three programs taking ballet off the beaten path. Cullberg Ballet Celebrates 50 Years of Drama As it embarks on its 50th-anniversary season, Cullberg Ballet remains a beacon of European contemporary dance. Influenced by Kurt Jooss, founder Birgit Cullberg revolutionized ballet in Sweden and beyond, bringing literary […]

What makes a ballet truly Canadian? Sprinkle in a some lumberjacks, says Will Tuckett. That’s just one of the many details we’re loving about the brand-new production of Pinocchio that the British choreographer is creating at the National Ballet of Canada. Though it doesn’t open until March 11, the company has offered several glimpses into […]

National Ballet of Canada dancers took barre in a very unusual location earlier this week: Toronto’s Union Station. Principal Heather Ogden led a group of company members through typical combinations to the delight of several surprised commuters. The event celebrated the Toronto Transit Commission’s We Move You ad campaign, which features photos and videos of […]

Go behind the scenes at our cover shoot with Jurgita Dronina, principal at The National Ballet of Canada.  

Jurgita Dronina is doing fouetté turns with her back to me. Facing the far wall, she builds momentum with the precise placement of each demi-rond-de-jambe. She apologized ahead of time, explaining with a self-deprecating smile: “I can’t spot in the mirror. I’m always telling my partners, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll turn fine onstage.’ ” On this […]