Despite her traditional ballet training in South Africa, Andrea Giselle Schermoly has always had a wide range of music tastes and sensibilities. “There’s always been this other drumbeat in my heart,” says Schermoly, who’s a three-time Outstanding Choreographer winner at the Youth America Grand Prix. That “other drumbeat” has become an integral layer to her […]
To a certain subset of the New York City dance community, Gail Accardi is known as the Body Whisperer. For her part, Accardi calls her work “creative physical problem solving.” Whether she’s leading her Anatomy Awareness class for dancers, substitute-teaching Simonson Technique, or working with a private client one-on-one, Accardi has a clear vision: “I […]
This week, September 9-15, 2018, is a time to show extra support for dance education. National Arts in Education week, designated by Congress in 2010, was created to “celebrate and recognize the power of arts education and call for equitable access to the arts for all students.” Dance/NYC is supporting by sharing videos from New […]
Last night Jennifer Lopez “danced the night away” at the MTV Video Music Awards, and though no words can truly do justice to her jaw-dropping performance, we have to try. The dance legend began her 10-minute mash-up of best hits descending from the heavens, like the dance goddess she is—and somehow things only got better […]
Choreographer Loni Landon is no stranger to the enticing power of social media. Instagram, for example, makes it very easy for Landon to connect with other artists. “I feel torn about it,” says Landon. “On one hand, I think it can be used in a really positive way. I have received so many jobs through […]
This month’s winner tells the story of immigrants traveling to America who experience tragedy before reaching the shore. Michael Susten, New York City–based choreographer and teacher, was initially inspired by the song “This is Not the End,” by Clare Maguire. “Her voice really painted a picture in my head,” says Susten. “I could hear the […]
Your feet may not be the envy of your studio, but having inflexible feet and ankles isn’t all bad. Master pointe shoe fitter Josephine Lee walks us through the pros and cons.
Ask anyone at the University of Southern California’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance how they feel about assistant professor of practice, d. Sabela grimes, and they automatically begin to sing his praises. Not only is he one of the department’s most beloved and dynamic educators, he is among the most respected and innovative facilitators of […]
Last night marked—finally!—the first live show of Season 15. We made it! And so did the Top 10. Now, it’s up to the viewers (that’s you!) to determine which contestants end up in the Top 4 and, eventually, which one will snag the sweet prizes up for grabs: $1 million, the cover of Dance Spirit […]
The piqué arabesque is a ballet staple that looks deceptively simple. At Alonzo King LINES Dance Center, LeeWei Chao uses the image of standing on the edge of a cliff to inspire correct alignment, emphasizing a strong supporting side so that dancers avoid tilting and dipping forward. “Your body energy goes up,” he says. “Stay […]