Dance Audition Tips from a Former Professional Dancer and Teacher

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. …

Dance Is a Sport?! Let’s Talk About It.

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 …

Reflections on International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD): Dance, Motherhood, and the Question of What’s Next

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 …

Bad Bunny, the Super Bowl, and America’s Complicated Relationship With Culture

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 …

🌍 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 …