Time to let your artistic skills blossom—but this time, we don’t mean on the dance floor. Dancer, choreographer, and artist Amber Pickens has used her quarantine time to illustrate a coloring book that celebrates Black dance history. The Juilliard graduate, who recently made her choreographic debut, created Blooming in Motion as a fun, educational way […]
Since 1954, Dance Magazine has celebrated the living legends among us with the Dance Magazine Awards. This year, in light of deep reflections on racial equity inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, the selection committee decided to take a close look at exactly who the magazine has honored over the past seven decades. Unsurprisingly, […]
In this global economic crisis, it sometimes feels like the plight of dancers has been largely ignored. Debbie Allen is on a mission to change that. “They don’t list dance and the arts as essential,” she says, “but we are! We give people more joy and hope than almost anything.” To spread that joy and […]
Shonda Rhimes, the TV queen responsible for iconic hits like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” is working on a dance documentary with Debbie Allen—and we’re SUPER pumped. It’s no secret that we love a good dance film around here. So when Netflix announced this past weekend that the company is […]
Here’s a frustrating truth: While those of us who’re involved in the world of dance competitions understand how awesome they are, the larger world’s perception of them is pretty darn negative, thanks to reality TV’s funhouse-mirror portrayals of the scene. And that’s why Dance Network‘s new documentary, “Dance Family,” is such a breath of fresh […]
Ovation’s “Battle of The Nutcrackers” begins tonight! Tune in each night this week to see five different versions of The Nutcracker. Nigel Lythgoe and Debbie Allen will host—introducing each production and providing insight and commentary. At the end of the week, vote for your favorite interpretation on Ovation.com. The Viewer’s Choice winner will be revealed […]
To celebrate Mother’s Day (May 12), we’re highlighting five well-known dancer moms and their dancing children. Their love of the art form makes these dynamic duos (and one quartet) very close. But like all families, they can still drive each other crazy! Barbara Sandonato in Scotch Symphony (photo by Jack Mitchell) Mom: Barbara Sandonato, teacher […]
It seems like Fame really is gonna live forever. First there was the iconic 1980 film. Then there was the spin-off TV series, which starred none other than Debbie Allen. Next came the (not so hot, frankly) 2009 remake of the movie. And now, thanks to Nigel Lythgoe, we’re about to get a remake of […]