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Adult recreational programs are surging in the dance community, creating a space for this demographic to train seriously—and be taken seriously. A growing number of summer programs, specifically, offer a chance for adult dancers to practice with intensity. And while they may differ from pre-professional summer programs, these intensives are strengthening dance’s future. What Adults […]
On a cool afternoon last November, Linda Past Pehrson, just a few days shy of her 77th birthday, warmed up backstage at the Peridance Center in New York City. She was wearing the white tutu she’d spent the previous evening ironing—her costume for the latest Performing in NY Showcase, organized by Kat Wildish. Pehrson’s group […]
Conventional wisdom in the dance world suggests that it’s vital to start young. Given the changes we all see and feel in our bodies as we age, it’s easy to understand why. But there are plenty of professional dancers who started in their teen or adult years and still rose to the top of their […]
More than once, when I’m sporting my faded, well-loved ballet hoodie, some slight variation of this conversation ensues: “Is your daughter the dancer?” “Actually,” I say, “I am.” “Wow!” they enthuse. “Who do you dance with? Or have you retired…?” “I don’t dance with a company. I’m not a professional. I just take classes.” Insert […]
Watch Kat Wildish’s adult class in New York City, and you’ll see all kinds of people living their dream of dancing on pointe. Perhaps some of them stopped dancing as children before they got their shoes, or they lament quitting ballet to pursue another career. And for some people who’ve never danced, being on pointe […]
Nine dancers discuss life as independent teachers. Not every dance teacher imagines their name on the front door. Running a school can take time away from actually teaching, never mind the constraints of teaching in one place. Freelance teaching has always been an option for dancers—an elastic schedule can work well to complement their performance […]