a woman wearing traditional Indian clothing sitting on the floor of a stage

Golden Age: Dance Traditions That Revere Their Elders

Much of the Western dance world prizes youth. But some dance traditions, including classical Indian dance, flamenco, and tap, value the gifts of the older dancer. Unlike contemporary dance and ballet, which tend to prioritize skills that erode as we age—extreme flexibility, buoyant jumps—these practices enlist skill sets that develop and deepen over time. And their communities support long performing and teaching careers.

Celebrating Dance Magazine Award Honoree Dormeshia

This week we’re sharing tributes to all of the 2021 Dance Magazine Award honorees. For tickets to our hybrid ceremony taking place December 6, visit dancemediafoundation.org. If you ask a tap dancer who their favorite hoofers are, it’s not likely they’ll omit Dormeshia. Her popularity even spreads by word of foot, so to speak: Some […]

How M.A.D.D. Rhythms Changed the Tap Scene in Chicago—And Beyond

Ask almost anyone in the know and they’ll tell you, as far as tap dance goes, that Chicago’s the place to be. The scene is teeming with extraordinary hoofers who are steeped in experimentation and individual artistry. Dancers seamlessly intermingle with Chicago’s top-shelf musicians at storied jazz clubs across the city. “Chicago is ‘The Second […]

“Aisha” by Starinah “Star” Dixon for M.A.D.D. Rhythms

To celebrate National Tap Dance Day earlier this week, Chicago’s M.A.D.D. Rhythms released two new dance videos, including “Aisha,” choreographed by the group’s assistant director Starinah “Star” Dixon. To a song of the same name, written by McCoy Tyner and performed by John Coltrane, the company members perform a joyful, romantic dance filled with infectious […]