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 …