From the beginning of my training, I’ve worked with teachers who have a reputation for being tough on dancers. Julio Montano and Gissell Durand started my dance education at All American Dance Factory in Tampa, Florida, and were notoriously difficult to please. They were so strict that at times I thought I might never be […]
If it were possible for individuals and massive organizations to be soul mates, Harper Watters and Houston Ballet would be written in the stars. After training at The Portsmouth School of Ballet, and the Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts, Watters attended Houston Ballet’s summer intensive in 2009 following his junior year of high […]
In 2015, Houston Ballet demi-soloist Jim Nowakowski made a shocking career about-face when he soared into the heart of pop culture and made Top 6 on Season 12 of “So You Think You Can Dance.” The commercial world was taken by his flawless technique and perfect lines, while at the same time classical dancers were […]
According to the new documentary DANSEUR, 85% of males who study dance in the United States are bullied or harassed. A quote in the film from Dr. Doug Risner, faculty member at Wayne State University, states, “If this scope of bullying occurred in any activity other than dance, it would be considered a public health […]
These four ballet companies refreshed their productions of the beloved holiday classic. Pacific Northwest Ballet School student Eden Anan as Clara. Photo courtesy of PNB. From 1983 to 2014, PNB had performed its own Nutcracker, choreographed by founding artistic director Kent Stowell, with scenic and costume design by children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. […]
@jamesbwhitesideWho: American Ballet Theatre principal James WhitesideFollowers: 96.6KWhat you’ll see: a lot of muscles and humor, with a healthy dose of cat photosWhat may surprise you: Whiteside moonlights as the drag queen Ühu Betch and pop singer JbDubs. @londonballerina Who: Royal Ballet principal Lauren CuthbertsonFollowers: 43KWhat you’ll see: beauty in the little things—nature, architecture, costume […]
Happy Halloween, DT readers! Every year, as the spookiest of holidays rolls around, I’m impressed with the humor and creativity of dancers’ Halloween costumes. This year was no exception. Enjoy a roundup of some of our favorite 2016 Halloween looks. Divas to the dance floor please! ABT principals Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside had a […]
William Forsythe University of Southern California Glorya Kaufman School of Dance hosts a series of events in honor of William Forsythe this month. Kaufman.usc.edu The series kicks off September 29–30 with a look at his creative process and presentation of his current work-in-progress, danced by USC students. October 14–16 events include a discussion with Forsythe’s […]
Sara Webb in Madame Butterfly with Ian Casady During her first six seasons with Houston Ballet, principal Sara Webb worked closely with former artistic director Ben Stevenson, who helped her find clarity in acting roles. “He used to always tell us that you have to know what you’re saying before you say it. If you […]
Four incredible educators: Joanne Chapman, Claudio Muñoz, Pamela VanGilder and Kathleen Isaac foster their students’ love of dance, whether instilling artistry, offering rigorous training or giving special needs students an outlet through movement. Joanne Chapman Keeping it all in the family in Ontario If you’d told the teenaged Joanne Chapman that her future lay in […]