Dancer, actor, cabaret singer, raconteur, choreographer, director, writer, designer, painter, teacher, practicing Buddhist: These were some of Christian Holder’s titles. Though best known as a star of the Joffrey Ballet, he was truly a man about town.  Holder died in his home in London, England, on February 18. His death was confirmed by his friend […]

On January 7, 2025, Carolyn Brown, a founding member of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, died at the age of 97. One of the great American dancers of her generation, she was an exquisite mover who commanded the stage with her powerful presence. Born Carolyn Rice on September 26, 1927, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Brown began […]

During her extraordinary lifetime, Judith Jamison built a legacy not only as a performer and leader of singular vision, but also as a champion of numerous other dance artists. In the tributes to Jamison that have proliferated since she passed away on November 9, many have marveled at the scope of the longtime Alvin Ailey […]

When news broke earlier this month that ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince had passed away at age 29, the dance world reacted with shock, confusion, and profound sadness. She was so young; she had already accomplished so much in her extraordinary life, and yet her singular talent was still deepening, expanding, revealing itself. DePrince’s against-all-odds journey […]

2024 was a big year for dance at the Oscars, including a history-making performance, a heart-pumping ensemble number, and a surprise addition to the “In Memoriam” segment. We’re still rooting for a “Best Choreography” category as dance continues to be an integral part to each year’s nominated films. But until then, we still enjoy seeing […]

Steve Paxton, who died on February 20, asked basic but foundational questions—about movement, performance, and hierarchies of all kinds.

A critic reflects on witnessing Chita Rivera create indelible character after indelible character, decade after decade.

Chita Rivera, the legendary triple threat who was a dancer first, died shortly after her 91st birthday in New York City.