Nadhi Thekkek and her San Francisco company, Nava Dance Theatre, use the style and vocabulary of bharatanatyam to tell contemporary stories taken from the lives of real people, bringing them to the level of the Hindu mythological tales typically retold in traditional Indian dance. - San Francisco Chronicle
Demanding apologies and cancellation might seem an over-the-top reaction to the staging of this apparently benign ballet staple. However, the representation of many of the “exotic” settings and stories in traditional ballets is an ongoing problem. - Dance Australia
After experiencing the tolls of the pandemic — loss, stillness and uncertainty — the work of 2022 introduced new techniques, technologies and narratives that reflected the remnants of the pandemic and a new texture to Los Angeles dance. - Los Angeles Times
"Of 1075 announced works for the 2022/2023 season amongst the Largest 150 U.S. ballet and classically influenced companies, 27% are choreographed by women, which is a further reduction compared to the 2021-2022 season (29% choreographed by women)." - Dance Data Project
Neumeier's adaptation includes a dream sequence which takes the Venetians' stereotypes of Othello to their limit, with the Moorish general doing an "African hunting dance." A number of the Copenhagen dancers found that offensive; subsequent disputes seem to have led to Neumeier's banning from the company. (in German) - NDR (Hamburg)
Sterling Hyltin has been the Sugar Plum Fairy since 2006, but this season will be her final one. "One reason she gives for stepping aside is the desire to see younger dancers be given the same opportunities she had." - The New York Times
The Pulitzer Prize winner, who has been at the newspaper for 25 years and was one of only two full-time dance critics in the U.S., was sacked as part of a set of layoffs and other cost-cutting measures at the newspaper. - MSN (The Washington Post)
For her 40th anniversary season, the 70-year-old dancemaker returned to Pandora's Cake Stain, which premiered in 1996. Pandora's New Cake Stain features 12 dancers (plus cameos by six members of the original cast) and a stage manager wearing roller skates and a cape. - The New York Times
Julie Branam, who directs and choreographs the beloved Radio City Music Hall dance troupe, talks about the dance in the film, titled (what else?) A Holiday Spectacular. - Dance Magazine
Well, at least somebody can afford San Francisco real estate. This fortuitously located building — right next door to the company's theater in the Mission District and around the corner from ODC Dance Commons — will offer space to other groups as well as expansion room for ODC. - San Francisco Chronicle
One of the best-known male dancers at the Paris Opera, who has won a big following outside ballet for working as a judge on the French equivalent of "Strictly Come Dancing", on Wednesday quit the company after months of tension. - France24
Sure, it's become the classic holiday ballet (and moneymaker), but "if you look at some of the forces giving rise to it, and that still live within it, The Nutcracker isn’t all that sweet." - Washington Post
As three celebrated, longtime directors depart these companies, the entrance of women is proving that female directors are staking a firm claim in a professional terrain that has traditionally favored men. - Dance Magazine
With Semperoper Ballett artistic director Aaron S. Watkins leaving this summer to take over English National Ballet, Gomes — who's been coach and ballet master at the Semperoper since he resigned from ABT in 2017 — will fill Watkins's post for, at least initially, the 2023-24 season. - Dance for You
Judith Sánchez Ruíz, who danced with the company from 2006 to 2009, will choreograph a work titled Let's Talk About Bleeding next year. Says the company's executive director, "We're happy to do Trisha's work forever, but we feel the field is asking for something more." - The New York Times
