This week’s headlines include the departure of a “So You Think You Can Dance” judge and dancers protesting the end of an era at Paris’ historic Lido cabaret. Though ballet has made progress in queer representation offstage, that’s rarely reflected in the
Category Archives: Podcast
Dancing Through Pregnancy and Cultivating Open Communication
Kenita R. Miller’s triumphant work in “for colored girls…” on Broadway while pregnant is (yet more) evidence that performers do not have to surrender their artistry to pregnancy. Revamping communication policies is a crucial step towards rooting out rac
The Missing Ensemble Tony and the Women Leading Ballet Forward
This chaotic COVID season has made it (even more) clear that Broadway ensembles deserve their own Tony Award. The wave of women entering artistic leadership positions at ballet companies could fundamentally reshape the ballet world.
Pas de Deux Politics and How Social Media Affects Creativity
An essay by ballet dancer Russell Janzen considers the politics of the pas de deux, and what it means to be a ballet “gentleman” onstage today. After taking months-long breaks from social media, dance artist Rosie Herrera is looking at how our relationshi
Compassionate COVID Protocols and the Problem with Balletcore
As the pandemic enters its third year, how can dance organizations craft COVID guidelines that prioritize collective care? The “ballet aesthetic” is trending, but fashion is largely ignoring ballet’s less-pretty realities.
Crediting Choreography and the Politics of Hair in Ballet
As the boundaries between choreographers and dancers blur, crediting everyone’s contributions to a dance becomes both complicated and crucial. For ballet dancers of color, the politics of hair are particularly fraught.
Intimacy Directors in the Studio and Dancing the Story of Cinco de Mayo
Dance companies are beginning to use intimacy directors to safeguard the physical and mental wellbeing of dancers. Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is using the marketability of Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to teach audiences about Mexican history and cu
Art as Collateral Damage, Patterns of Abuse, and Demystifying NFTs
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is imperiling both cultural landmarks and artistic exchange. Four plaintiffs in a major abuse lawsuit speak candidly about grooming in dance. There’s been a lot of excitement around dance NFTs—but is that hope misplaced?
Cold War Echoes, Innovative TikTok Dance, and Storyboard P
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is dividing the ballet world in two. On TikTok, choreographers are looking beyond the dance challenge. Why is American culture inhospitable to artists like the street dance genius Storyboard P?
Dance at the Oscars and the Great Arts Worker Resignation
Triple threat Ariana DeBose had a historic win and several performances featured noteworthy choreography during an astonishing Academy Awards ceremony. In-person theater has largely returned since COVID shutdowns, but many artists and arts workers have ch