In one sense, American Ballet Theatre soloist Calvin Royal III‘s company debut as the lead in George Balanchine’s Apollo in October felt momentous: a black dancer, in a historically lily-white company, portraying a god. In another, it felt inevitable: Royal is regal as soon as he stands onstage, to the manner born. As Apollo, authority […]
Imagine having your first show with Misty Copeland inches away from you onstage. Copeland and her prince, American Ballet Theatre corps member Calvin Royal III, swooped into Houston, Texas, in November to dance in Open World Dance Foundation’s new, full-length production of Cinderella. Choreographed by OWDF directors Ekaterina Shchelkanova and Anton Boytsov, the community project […]
Calvin Royal III is the sort of exuberant dancer who always draws the eye. You’ll never catch the 23-year-old corps member performing at less than full volume—every inch of his impossibly long body projects confidence. He’s a natural showman. A showman who got a very late start (in dance, at least). Royal, who studied piano […]
The Clive Barnes Awards—given by the Clive Barnes Foundation in honor of the late New York Times, New York Post and Dance Magazine critic—have a history of recognizing talented dancers on the cusp of a career milestone. In 2010, New York City Ballet’s Chase Finlay took home the prize; a year later, he was promoted […]
This summer, Vail Dance Festival celebrates its 35th year of performances and residencies. Running July 28 through August 7, the 2023 festival features an exciting lineup of performing artists and includes no fewer than 15 principal dancers from American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, and more. Alonzo King LINES Ballet artist Adji […]
At the forefront of almost every narrative classical ballet, there’s a man and a woman. The ballerina dazzles us with her delicate pointework, while the male ballet dancer, in contrast, astounds us with his agility and strength. They are brought together with a pas de deux, and their trials of love and loss drive the […]
In a rehearsal studio at American Ballet Theatre not long ago, SunMi Park, a newly minted soloist, and principal dancer Calvin Royal III rehearsed a pas de deux from Christopher Wheeldon’s new ballet, Like Water for Chocolate. The passage depicted a tender moment between two people exploring their feelings for each other. As Royal lifted […]
On October 27, American Ballet Theatre’s Fall Gala will present the world premiere of Lifted, by choreographer Christopher Rudd. The piece features an all-Black cast and creative team—a historic first for the company—including dancers Erica Lall, Calvin Royal III, Courtney Lavine, Melvin Lawovi and Jose Sebastian. Lifted is Rudd’s second work for ABT, his first […]