The Chita Rivera Awards and the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation have announced the finalists for the first-ever “Broadway’s Next Triple Threat” talent search! Launched earlier this year, the initiative honors the legacy of Broadway icon Chita Rivera. Hundreds of young performing artists ages 18–25 applied to be part of the inaugural cohort, and […]
“You belong.” That’s the motto New York City Dance Alliance faculty member Desmond Richardson, who specializes in contemporary jazz/ballet, says is always emphasized when dancers walk in the door. “What I notice here at NYCDA is that courage, that belief in oneself, that belonging is prime,” he says. “And really, for me, it’s everything.” As […]
Cameron Janson has had a heck of a year. After winning Outstanding Dancer at New York City Dance Alliance and Dancer of the Year at Tremaine Dance Convention in 2024, the 18-year-old spent his weekends from November to May touring with both competitions across the U.S. On top of that, he’s been auditioning for professional […]
Competition dance trends become popular for a reason, but even the most exciting fads eventually run their course. Four competition judges discuss the dance trends they believe it’s time to leave behind, and offer suggestions on how to refocus routines on clarity, safety, and individual artistry. Nonstop Gymnastics While a well-executed tumbling or gymnastic element […]
If you’ve ever watched a Broadway musical, dance company performance, or dance TV show, chances are you’ve seen at least one New York City Dance Alliance alum at work. NYCDA excels at helping dancers naturally transfer their competition and convention experiences into the professional industry. Their not-so-secret key to success? Years of relationship-building and community outreach by […]
For the first time since the coronavirus hit the U.S., competitions and conventions are meeting in-person once again (brimming with safety precautions, of course), and dancers couldn’t be more thrilled. We asked five standout comp kids about their recent experiences attending competitions around the country—and how they’re taking advantage of these long-lost opportunities. Hailey Bills […]
Everyone has a Taja Riley story. Janet Jackson has a Taja story. (When Taja was just 17 and was hired to perform alongside her, Janet Jackson picked Taja up in a limo and they spent a day—seven hours, to be exact—together at a hair salon.) Rihanna has a Taja story. (She hand-selected Taja for her […]
When your dance studio is your second home, taking class in your actual home just isn’t the same. But if there’s one silver lining to the current situation, it’s that some of the biggest dance stars from stage and screen have gone online to lead barres, host dance parties, demonstrate combos, and teach technique classes—some […]