Choreographer, dancer, and teacher Donald McKayle established a strong foothold for dancers of color by creating work that commented on social injustices, challenged racial norms, and conveyed the Black experience. As a member of the politically active dance collective New Dance Group in the late 1940s, he developed an emotionally rich choreographic style inspired by […]
Last week at our DT+ Teacher Talk, I had the honor of being joined by not one but three very special guests—Dionne Figgins, artistic director of Ballet Tech; Bianca Zumbo Caryl, head coach of the Arizona State University dance team; and Nile H. Russell, director of education for the American Dance Festival—to discuss what audition […]
“What are you thinking about when you are dancing ‘On My Way’? Do you know the word arduous? It’s an arduous journey, so you have to work harder and harder.” The man speaking with a soft voice and resting his long hands on his knees is Donald McKayle, the modern dance choreographer, teacher and writer […]
Renee Robinson and Troy Powell in Donald McKayle’s Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder It’s Paul Taylor month! Not only is he featured in our March issue’s history column, but the Paul Taylor American Modern Dance’s Lincoln Center season begins on March 15. What better way to get into the Taylor spirit than to learn repertory that will […]