Tag: contemporary

Why You Should Know Technical Powerhouse Christian Burse

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 […]

Five Young Choreographers Using the Internet as Their Stage

Over the past few years, social media platforms have become launching pads for a new generation of choreographers. Many of these young artists grew up in front of the camera lens, dancing in the class videos of pioneers like Matt Steffanina and Tricia Miranda. Now, these familiar faces are flexing their choreographic muscles for huge […]

Wunderkind Choreographer Easton Payne on the Importance of Making Mistakes and the Magic of a Morning Playlist

Twenty-two-year-old dancer and choreographer Easton Payne is an artist’s artist: His movement is profoundly empathic, wholly original, and endlessly creative. That unique voice was honed through training at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education and Dance Town in Doral, FL. Payne now choreographs for studios across the country, though you’re probably most familiar with […]

A Beginner's Guide to Contact Improvisation

Picture this: You peek into a studio and see 10 different duets happening simultaneously. Some pairs move through a lift, while others roll swiftly across the floor. Everyone appears to be making it up as they go, yet the partnering is seamless. What the heck is happening? It’s contact improvisation! What is it? Sarah Konner, […]

How Madison Brown Rose to the Top of Both the Ballet AND Contemporary Worlds

Imagine attending American Ballet Theatre’s prestigious NYC summer intensive, training among classical ballet legends. Imagine taking the stage at New York City Dance Alliance Nationals, competing against some of the country’s best contemporary dancers. Now, imagine doing both—at the same time. Welcome to Madison Brown’s world. This summer, she’s in her third year as a […]

Dear Katie: Is My Body Wrong for Ballet?

In our “Dear Katie” series, Miami City Ballet soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured! Dear Katie, I’ve reached a point where it’s clear that my body isn’t designed for ballet. Realizing that broke my heart, because dancing with […]

Maleek Washington on Superheroes and His Sneaker Collection

Camille A. Brown dancer Maleek Washington captivates audiences with his super-fluid, intricate contemporary moves and adept musicality. His exceptional technique and presence have also landed him gigs with artists including Sia and Rihanna. An NYC native, Washington grew up in the Bronx and trained at the Harlem School of the Arts, Broadway Dance Center, and […]

Why You Should Know Rising Star Kiarra Waidelich

When we asked what her proudest accomplishment so far is, Kiarra Waidelich paused for a moment. That’s because she has so many to choose from: In the past two years, Kiarra’s earned Mini and Junior Female Best Dancer at The Dance Awards, snagged Youth America Grand Prix’s Hope Award, and made it to the divisional […]