The First Ones to Watch

In 2001, Dance Magazine published its first edition of “25 to Watch,” with this introduction: “From our far-flung correspondents, here they are: the dancers, choreographers, troupes and trends we’ll be watching in 2001 and for years to come.” 

 

Thirteen years may not seem exceptionally long ago—especially given that Dance Magazine has been featuring up-and-coming dancers since 1927. But what’s so astounding is that the world hasn’t stopped watching many of our original 25. And we’re sure they’ll be watching the breakout stars of 2014 for years to come, too.

 

Here are a few of the standout names from that 2001 list: 

 

“Daniel Ulbricht, Big Fish in a Great School”

 

“Ballet has a budding superstar in Daniel Ulbricht, a 17-year-old student at the School of American Ballet…he is a remarkably compact package of burgeoning pyrotechnics and innate musicality.” —Harris Green

 

(Photo by Costas.)

 

“Wayne McGregor, Virtual Virtuoso” 

“The choreography of Wayne McGregor is reaching a gratifying maturity…Equally adept with toe shoes and bare feet, [McGregor] is offering nothing less than the next step in the evolution of new dance at one of the world’s premier dance institutions.” —Donald Hutera

 

 

“Ashley Bouder: An Apprentice’s Sorcery”

“Ashley Bouder is all of 17, an apprentice at the New York City Ballet, winner of the School of American Ballet’s prestigious Mae L. Wien Award—and fabulously talented…She’s a born performer, lighting up the stage from the moment she steps out…Her dream: to become a New York City Ballet principal.” —Lynn Garafola

 

(Bouder in George Balanchine’s
Stars and Stripes. Photo by Paul Kolnik.) 

 

“Marcelo Gomes, ABT’s Man from Rio”

“At age 20, American Ballet Theatre soloist Marcelo Gomes has been dancing for thirteen years. Born in Brazil, he knew at age 7 he’d be a dancer…Matinee-idol handsome, Gomes is exuberant onstage, whether in the classics or ABT’s growing modern repertoire. In person, he’s a charmer—friendly, confident and generous with his colleagues.” —Gus Solomons jr

 

(Photo by Mira, Courtesy Rosalie O’Connor.)

 

“Caroline Rocher, Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Rising Star”

“Sleek and sexy in Slaughter on Tenth Avenue and soft and dreamy as the Dark Angel in Serenade, Caroline Rocher has made her mark at Dance Theatre of Harlem. At 23, she has just been promoted to principal dancer.” —Wendy Perron

 

 

Does the second tapper from the right look familiar? He might if you’re a fan of “So You Think You Can Dance”: It’s
Ad
é Chiké Torbert, then 13 and a member of The Young Hoofers, which in 2001’s “25 to Watch” was profiled by Jane Goldberg as “The Future on Tap.”

 

(The Young Hoofers from left: Sekou Torbert, Sheldon Gordon, Lance Liles, Jamal Brown, Calvin Booker, 
Adé Chiké Torbert, Shakir Torbert. Photo by Traci Mann.)