a female dancer wearing a long black dress jumping with her legs out in second

The Art of Dancing Without Music

While dance is often considered inextricably linked to music, the absence of music can open a unique space for exploration. Three artists share their experiences and advice for dancing in works without music.

a female dancer wearing a blue long sleeved shirt stretching to the side with her arms in 4th position

New York City Ballet Dancer Christina Clark Is Celebrating Every Stage

With her elongated limbs and polished port de bras, Clark is a remarkably self-possessed dancer who uses her 5′ 10 1/2″ frame to fully inhabit every choreographic moment and musical note. She debuted in a slew of roles in 2023, including the Tall Girl in George Balanchine’s “Rubies” and the lead woman in Haieff Divertimento, which hadn’t been performed by NYCB since 1994.

Multiple pairs of pointe shoes on the floor, along with paper towels, and a pink backpack

A Ballet, Tap, and Heels Dancer Each Share Their Profound Relationships With Their Signature Shoe

Shoes hold a sacred place in a dancer’s life. From the first time you rise over the box of fresh pointe shoes, hear the clack of metal taps on the floor, or stand in the power of a heel, a meaningful relationship is born. Many dancers’ careers are quite literally supported by the shoes they cherish (or, if they have blisters, curse). Here are three dancers on their beautiful bonds with their shoes.

A colorful collage of the 2024 25 to Watch, dancers from a breadth of dance styles.

Introducing Our 2024 “25 to Watch”

Electric performances, thought-provoking choreography, buzzy bodies of work—the artists on our annual list of dancers, choreographers, directors, and companies poised for a breakout share an uncanny knack for arresting attention. They’ve been turning heads while turning what’s expected—in a performance, from a career trajectory—on its head. We’re betting we’ll be seeing a lot more of them this year, and for many years to come.

a female dancer holding a candle while performing and arabesque and being supported by a male dancer while on stage

Lauren Lovette on Her Career Pivot From Dancer to Dancemaker

In 2019, Lauren Lovette seemed to have it all—she was a star principal at New York City Ballet and was Vail Dance Festival’s artist in residence. But inside, she was ill at ease. “I never really enjoyed performing,” says Lovette, now 32. Intrigued by choreography, she had created her first piece, For Clara, three years earlier for NYCB’s 2016 Fall Fashion Gala.