Category: dance

“Researchers found the word, one of 500 new dictionary entries, was first used in 1820, spelt twirk, to refer to a twisting or jerking movement or twitch. The verb is believed to have emerged later in 1848 and the twerk spelling was used by 1901, the dictionary says.”

“The law was officially introduced after World War II, aiming to put an end to prostitution usually thought to have been taking place at venues where dancing occurred. It prohibits dancing anywhere without a special license – and even at a place that has one, you can only dance until midnight.”

“Would you know the moment when you must flee your homeland? Where do you think is the safest place to go? What do you do once you find it isn’t a welcoming haven? How do you navigate the roadblocks of immigration, citizenship, language?” How do you navigate all of these issues in an artform that, by nature, rarely uses words?

“News of Alan Hineline’s departure came shortly after the company announced that it had weathered yet another of many financial crises, raising $680,000 in 10 days to avoid a shutdown last March. Today, the company is on the road to fulfilling its “Bridge to the Future” campaign, having raised $1.5 million of its $2.5 million goal, expecting to reach that in May 2016, after completion of Ballet Silicon Valley’s next season.”

“Taking testimony from a Holocaust survivor and turning it into a dance is an intriguing but risky proposition, especially if you’re not a Jew. How do you do justice to the words and the truths they contain while still creating something new from them? How do art and life, imagination and reality, coexist?”

“After the curtain went down on the last act, she received a 23-minute ovation and enough bouquets to stock a small flower shop. They were tributes to Julie Kent, who danced her farewell performance with American Ballet Theater on Saturday night after 29 years with the company — a final “Romeo and Juliet” — and stirred strong emotions among fans and fellow dancers.”

“[Karen X.] Cheng, a former Microsoft Excel employee turned dancer, ‘viral video consult,’ and Queen Latifah guest, collaborated with filmmaker Ross Ching for the trick-heavy homage to slopes. … the project was inspired by Dan Ng’s photos that ‘correct’ San Francisco’s awful angles.”

“Ms. Copeland, who has more than 500,000 Instagram followers plus TV and film deals in hand, is having a moment. … All that publicity, though, has no bearing on what happens onstage.”

“Adoration and adulation are a side effect of tirelessly working toward a passion. And if it doesn’t lead to that? You will still be content because you are doing what you love.”

“Not only have we formed an important relationship with the governor’s office, but we have fostered new relationships with businesses that have invested heavily in Virginia’s future, ensuring that the ballet’s place in the commonwealth’s cultural landscape will always be looked after.”