Tag: commercial dance

Jakevis Thomason jumping in the air while being photographed against a teal backdrop

Meet Beyoncé’s “Black Parade” Choreographer, Jakevis Thomason

Just a few years after his graduation from the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at the University of Southern California, Jakevis Thomason booked the dream gig for many a commercial dancemaker: choreographing for Beyoncé. After making a viral dance video to Queen Bey’s “Black Parade,” Thomason was approached by the artist’s team to set the song’s choreography […]

Photo by Hope Paris & Crush, courtesy Maryse Camelan.

Meet Rising Commercial Star, Jaxon Willard

When Jaxon Willard dances, he soars through the air and glides along the floor, and his transitions are equal parts surprising and seamless. Willard’s flexibility, strength, and raw passion allow him to layer a spectrum of aesthetics, from expansive and powerful to graceful and soft. The former “World of Dance” contestant has been making waves […]

6 Reasons Why Boston Conservatory at Berklee Is a Destination for Commercial Training

Boston Conservatory has long been a leader in contemporary dance training in higher ed. While it remains an excellent option for artists hoping to pursue a career in concert dance, now—with the launch of a brand-new BFA program—the institution is expanding its world-class conservatory-style training to encompass commercial dance. Now accepting applications for fall 2022 studies, […]

Four Pros Share How to Master Dancing on Camera

Dancing on camera has always been a part of the industry: Music videos, commercials and televised dance competitions are nothing new. But this year, dance on video has taken off—and along with it, new demands on dancers. Dance Spirit spoke with Sophie Pittman, former contestant on “So You Think You Can Dance,” Fiona Claire Huber, […]

Commercial Phenom Mollee Gray Writes a Letter to Her Teenage Self

If you’ve looked at a screen at some point within the past decade, chances are you’ve seen Mollee Gray dancing across it. Television? She appeared on “Glee,” “Shake It Up,” “Victorious,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The X Factor,” and “America’s Got Talent,” and even made it to the Top 8 on Season 6 of “So […]

Natalie "NatBat" Bebko on PlayStation, Puppies, and Perfectionism

At 17, commercial standout Natalie Bebko (“Nat Bat”) has already accomplished more in her career than most adults: She was an assistant choreographer for the 2016 BET Awards and has worked with tons of music greats, including Trey Songz, Flo-Rida, Sia, Mila J, and Big Sean. She trains with immaBEAST dance company and consistently breaks […]