Colonialism and slavery violently disrupted the histories of Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). White folks appointed themselves tellers of all stories, and their viewpoints have rewritten, erased or entirely excluded other narratives. BIPOC dance artists have, for long, felt this exclusion while being exploited. This exclusion is still the source of trauma for […]

The day I fell in love with ballet was the day I signed myself up for what now seems like a life of invisibility. Despite clear talent, I grew up with teachers who ignored me in class; it made me work harder. I went on to a performance career with Oakland Ballet, North Carolina Dance […]

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words ring true for Americans facing two pandemics: the coronavirus and systemic racism. After the brutal killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, demonstrators nationwide took to the streets, and some danced as they marched and chanted “Black Lives Matter,” […]

Britt Stewart already had a full dance career before “Dancing with the Stars” came calling. Growing up, the Colorado native had trained in just about every style except for ballroom, landing a spot in Disney’s High School Musical at 15 after she met one of the movie’s choreographers, Bonnie Story, at New York City Dance […]

There is a tragic timeliness to Flyaway Productions‘ Meet Us Quickly With Your Mercy. As the nation grapples with systemic racism and police brutality, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, choreographer Jo Kreiter’s new aerial work seeks to amplify the call for ending the mass incarceration that disproportionately affects people of color. Meet Us is […]

From dancers using their art to speak truth to power to theaters opening their doors to protesters, the dance community is mobilizing in our national reckoning with racial injustice. But what is the impact of confronting systemic racism in our dance organizations, especially for Black dancers? How does confronting racism and implicit bias regularly in […]

Having taught around the world and created for the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna and Alicia Keys, Luam Keflezgy has established herself as one of the most respected choreographers in the dance industry. Her recognition stems from not only her creative expertise, but her flawless ability to use movement as a vessel for her unique voice. […]

“White supremacy in dance is making ballet and modern a requirement to receive a degree, but dance forms originated by POC are all electives.” Last fall, I created a meme using this statement to do exactly what it did: spread across the dance community and give permission to talk about a pervasive system of racism […]