On August 20, pop goddess Lizzo tweeted, “Someone do a ballet routine to truth hurts pls,” referring to the anthem that’s been top on everyone’s playlists this summer. Lizzo might not know it yet, but ballet dancers are not known for shying away from a challenge. In the past two days, the internet has exploded […]

In the past several years, ballet has been called out time and again for not fostering, presenting and commissioning the work of women. Recently, highlighting women ballet choreographers has become somewhat of a trend, with companies pioneering initiatives to try to close the gender gap, or presenting all-women programs. But numbers don’t lie, and unfortunately, […]

The Ballet Memphis New American Dance Residency, which welcomes selected choreographers for its inaugural iteration next week, goes a step beyond granting space, time and dancers for the development of new work. Over a period of two weeks, the dancemakers will visit important Memphis cultural sites, such as the National Civil Rights Museum and the […]

When a dance company builds itself a new home, the typical goal is more space and better amenities. But with the right architecture and location, the building itself can serve another purpose: great exposure. That’s what Ballet Memphis had in mind when it built its new $21 million home right on the hottest corner of […]

Even if you make it through to the final round of an audition, that doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed a spot on the roster. Before handing out contracts, many companies also require prospective dancers to complete an interview with staff. How can you impress your potential employer with your words as much as your dancing? […]

As much as everyone talks about diversity in ballet these days, the barrage of Misty Copeland coverage can sometimes make it seem like she’s the only person fighting to break barriers. Just today, Glamour named her one of its Women of the Year for “blazing her own path.” Kudos to Misty, but there many other path-blazers out there, too. Earlier this week, […]

Myles Thatcher in the studio. Photo by Erik Tomasson, Courtesy SFB.   A New Ballet Voice SAN FRANCISCO This season, budding dancemaker Myles Thatcher had the opportunity to be mentored by one of the world’s greatest classical choreographers. Alexei Ratmansky chose the San Francisco Ballet corps member for the Rolex Mentor & Protégé Arts Initiative, […]

Ballet Memphis dancer Bryn Gilbert’s favorite things.