December brings with it a plethora of Nutcracker productions, but that’s not the only show on offer. Whether you’re looking for a memorable trip to the Land of the Sweets or would prefer something Sugarplum-free, here are 10 shows on our radar.

“I hate when something says ‘gluten-free,’ and it pretends to be something it’s not,” says Jordan Fry, who stopped eating gluten and grain eight years ago to help combat her alopecia. “Don’t tell me that it’s a chocolate chip cookie and then it tastes like cardboard.” Fry, who left Ballet West in 2021 to focus […]

An American company crossing the pond for the first time, festivals centering Asian dancemakers, premieres responding to colonization, transgender identity, audience relationships, and more—the performance landscape over the next two months is overflowing with possibility. Here’s what’s at the top of our lists.

Adult recreational performance opportunities are also transformative for those who never thought there was room for them in dance to begin with. “My idea of who could and couldn’t do ballet was very warped as a kid,” says Janay Lee, 25, an au pair who’s participated in the artÉmotion intensive the last two summers. For a long time, Misty Copeland was the only brown ballerina she knew of—none of the other stars she saw looked like her. Growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, she did some dance at school and church, but didn’t start taking ballet until she was 18. “It’s like one of those dream careers that I never quite pursued.”

“Your port de bras is such an integral part of technique,” says Ballet West principal Emily Adams. “Your arms elevate your dancing artistically.”

Postgrad training programs have long held an important, if complicated, place in the dance industry. At their best, these experiences for young adults on the cusp of their careers can give students pro-level experiences and crucial industry connections. At their worst, they sell false hope in exchange for sky-high tuition.

Here are the latest promotions, appointments and departures, as well as notable awards and accomplishments, from the last month. Comings & Goings At Pacific Northwest Ballet, Elle Macy has been promoted to principal, Miles Pertl and Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan to soloist. At Ballet West, Jenna Rae Herrera has been promoted to principal. At Carolina Ballet, Sam […]

Here are the latest promotions, appointments and departures, as well as notable awards and accomplishments, from the last month. Comings & Goings Alexandra Damiani has been named artistic director of BJM-Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, succeeding Louis Robitaille in June. Sarah Sumbrum has been appointed artistic director of DANCECleveland. Felipe Oyarzun Moltedo has been named […]