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 […]
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 […]
“Wafting,” “demure” and “ethereal” are not the first adjectives that come to mind when attempting to describe Cassandra Trenary’s dancing. Trenary, one of six American Ballet Theatre dancers promoted to principal in the middle of the pandemic, is something of a powerhouse: sexy and grounded in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, earthy and explosive […]
Autumn is officially here, and with it comes a slew of fall season openers. Check out some of the exciting world premieres, dancer debuts and streaming events happening in October. Live-Performance Premieres at Joffrey Ballet Joffrey Ballet’s Home: a Celebration runs October 13–24 at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House and features performances of works created during […]