Taylor Made by Faith
Ballet is one of the world’s most elegant art forms — every movement precise, every detail meaningful. But beneath the grace and discipline of classical dance lies a history that’s far less beautiful. Today we’re confronting one of ballet’s most uncomfortable truths: the history of blackface in ballet. This isn’t just about outdated makeup or …
When Misty Copeland appeared on stage at the Oscars last night, ballet briefly took center stage in front of millions of viewers around the world. For many audience members, it was simply a beautiful performance tied to the film Sinners. But for dancers and people familiar with ballet history, the moment carried a deeper meaning. …
When people hear about the Great Depression, they often imagine economic hardship, unemployment, and uncertainty. It was one of the most difficult financial periods in American history. Families lost jobs, homes, and stability. But something remarkable was happening culturally at the exact same time. During this era of economic struggle, one of the most influential …
There is something really special about teaching dance during Women’s History Month. Especially when most of the faces staring back at you are young girls. With International Women’s Day happening on March 8th, I’ve been thinking about what I truly want the girls in my dance classes to know. Not just about technique. Not just …
Audition season is here. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably either in the middle of it or gearing up for it. I’ve been on both sides of the table. I’ve auditioned as a professional dancer for companies, cruise ships, theme parks, programs, and summer intensives. I’ve walked into rooms hoping to book the job. …
Is dance a sport?Is it art?Or is it something completely different? If you’ve been in the dance world for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard this debate. I’ve heard it my entire life, as a public school dance teacher, studio instructor, professional performer, and now working in arts administration for a professional company here …
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference here in Atlanta, Georgia. And I didn’t leave with a five-year plan. I left with questions. This is not a recap of classes taken or performances watched. It’s not a review. It’s not a highlight reel. It’s a …
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 …
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 …
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 …
