Ballerina, model, designer, educator, trainer: Candy Tong has done it all. Originally from San Francisco, Tong trained at San Francisco Ballet School and English National Ballet School before getting her BFA in dance performance from the University of California, Irvine. She danced with Complexions Contemporary Ballet from 2018–24, where her expansive movement and gorgeous, long […]
For years, it was hard for competition dancers to find professional jobs that made full use of their technical polish, astonishing versatility, and onstage ease. But recently, some (smart) companies have begun recruiting comp kids, drawn to their adaptability and fearlessness. We’ve compiled a list of nine companies that are fit for comp queens and […]
Christian Burse’s long, flexible limbs create showstopping shapes onstage. But what really captivates audiences are her seamless transitions between those gorgeous shapes, showing incredible technique and control. Christian is a student at both Dance Industry Performing Arts Center and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and her long days in […]
Take one look at Kaeli Ware’s Instagram page and you’ll be captivated. The elegant, impossibly long-limbed ballet dancer has over 110 thousand followers hooked on her every polished move. But the 19-year-old phenom isn’t just a social media sensation. Having already conquered the competition scene and the world of dance reality TV, Ware recently joined […]
Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s Larissa Gerszke is a standout, thanks to her gorgeous lines and easy grace. An Ottawa, Canada, native, Gerszke began training at Canterbury Arts High School, and later earned her BFA from Fordham University and The Ailey School—while simultaneously working and touring with Complexions. Catch her this month and next on tour with […]
Complexions Contemporary Ballet is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, and we can hardly contain our excitement. Their longstanding commitment to diversity and daring, edgy repertoire has made them an exemplar of American contemporary ballet today. The company’s season opener will be held at the Joyce Theater from February 19–March 3. Works include the world […]
Landing your first professional dance gig is a dream come true—and a huge learning opportunity. We talked to four young dancers about what they’ve learned from their first jobs, and how those lessons have strengthened their careers. Booking a Gig Isn’t the End of the Story Kessie Brawner (photo by Vince Trupsin) Shortly before graduating […]
Sure, we all know you can score some sweet deals on fashion or electronics on Cyber Monday. But did you know that dance companies offer discounts on tickets, too?! This little discovery made my post-vacay Monday MUCH happier. These reduced-price tickets to some of the season’s best performances are perfect for holiday gifting (or for […]