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 […]
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 […]
After a two-year hiatus, American Ballet Theatre returns to the Metropolitan Opera House June 13–July 16 for its 2022 summer season. This year’s program includes an exciting lineup of New York City premieres, full-length principal-role debuts and guest artists Daniel Camargo (former Dutch National Ballet principal) and Daniil Simkin (Staatsballett Berlin principal) to welcome the […]
Two dancers coming together in a pas de deux represents the humanity of our artform and our natural desire for connection. But while building a strong partnership is rewarding, it’s not always easy. Differing working and communication styles, physical and emotional boundaries, and experience levels can create tension if not handled appropriately. “Partnership is an […]
In 1999, a 17-year-old Misty Copeland noticed an image that would help shape her future: Lauren Anderson, the first Black principal dancer with Houston Ballet, on the cover of Dance Magazine. Copeland, then a pre-professional ballet student, was awestruck. “It was an anomaly to see her beauty in all its glory representing the very white […]
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.