I want to start by saying this plainly: this is not a hot take. This is not outrage. This is not me trying to stir the pot. These are reflections. As a dance educator, arts advocate, former professional dancer, and arts administrator working in Atlanta, I spend a lot of time thinking about how America …
The Legacy of Bob Fosse: Movement, Musicality, and Meaning in Jazz Dance
With UDA Finals just finishing and everyone talking about technique and style, I wanted to take a moment to spotlight a pioneer of jazz dance—Bob Fosse.” There are some choreographers whose work you can recognize instantly, before the music even starts. A turned-in knee. A rolled shoulder. A tilted hat. Bob Fosse belongs to that …
Mercedes Baptista: The Trailblazer Who Brought Afro-Brazilian Dance to the World
When I think about the women who shaped dance history, I can’t help but go back to the names many of us didn’t grow up hearing. In the U.S., we talk a lot about Misty Copeland and the Black ballerinas who broke barriers here and rightfully so. But once I started digging deeper into global …
🌍 World Ballet Day is Back: A Celebration of Grace, Grit, and Community
World Ballet Day is Back!! After taking a break in 2024. Every year, dancers and dance lovers around the world pause to celebrate the artistry, athleticism, and shared spirit that make ballet so extraordinary. World Ballet Day 2025 continues this beloved tradition, offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain into the world’s leading ballet companies. …
Chanel DaSilva Makes Joffrey History with “Wabash & You” — and Why This Moment Matters
When The Joffrey Ballet announced that Chanel DaSilva would premiere a new work on its mainstage, it marked a milestone long in the making. DaSilva is the first Black woman to choreograph a mainstage work for Joffrey, and her piece—Wabash & You—premieres November 6–9, 2025 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago. …
The Power of Juba Dance: Rhythm Without Drums
Dance history is full of hidden stories—moments where movement became more than performance. One of the most powerful examples comes from the Juba dance, sometimes called Pattin’ Juba. Born during slavery in the United States, Juba wasn’t just about entertainment. It was rhythm without instruments, resistance through movement, and a living link between African traditions …
With Misty Copeland Taking Her Final Bow, India Bradley Steps Into the Spotlight
Misty Copeland retires from ABT on October 22, 2025. See how her legacy opens doors for rising New York City Ballet soloist India Bradley—and how to get free simulcast tickets in NYC.
Halloween Ballet Villains: 10 Iconic Characters
Meta description (optional): From Carabosse to Rothbart, here are 10 unforgettable ballet villains for spooky season—complete with quick costume ideas, music cues, and class activities.
Celebrating Lydia Abarca Mitchell: A Dance Icon
Discover the legacy of Lydia Abarca Mitchell, founding ballerina of Dance Theatre of Harlem. A trailblazer who paved the way for Black ballerinas today.
Fall Dance Lesson Plans: Building a Pumpkin with Teamwork and Creativity
Engage your elementary dancers this October with fall dance lesson plans! Build teamwork, explore body shapes and levels, and finish with a class-created jack-o-lantern. Free downloadable lesson plan included.









