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Articles by Katherine Beard
As the Black Swan Musical Premieres, Dancer Ava Noble Takes Us Behind the Scenes
Black Swan, the Darren Aronofsky movie thriller that catapulted ballet into pop culture (while ruffling many dancers’ feathers), just made its stage premiere, 16 years after hitting the silver screen. Black Swan—the musical by Jen Silverman, with lyrics and score by Dave Malloy—officially opened on June 3 at Harvard University’s Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Presented by American Repertory Theater, the production plays through July 12.
A Snowboarder’s Checklist to Visiting Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU Original
Sanni Oksanen Photo: Katherine Beard In early December, I arrived at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU. This meant early-season JAPOW (light and fluffy powder snow) turns, paired with the cutest bamboo shoots sticking out above the sea of white. The bamboo is covered by feet of snow midseason, but it made it all the more Japanese skiing to have them out and about. A few of us were even graced with “face shots” of bamboo as we traversed pillowy terrain or through the trees.
A Snowboarder’s Checklist to Visiting Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
1. Start your visit strong with a face shot of powder, bamboo, or both. In early December, I arrived at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU. This meant early-season JAPOW (light and fluffy powder snow) turns, paired with the cutest bamboo shoots sticking out above the sea of white. The bamboo is covered by feet of snow midseason, but it made it all the more Japanese skiing to have them out and about. A few of us were even graced with “face shots” of bamboo as we traversed pillowy terrain or through the trees.
Exploring Japan's Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU: Where Ski Dreams Come True
Skiing at Niseko Grand Hirafu should be on every skier’s bucket list. There’s enough snow to go around, and then some. Powder stashes along Rinkan on a bluebird day with Mount Yotei in full-view. Skier: Nathaniel Baker Photo: Katherine Beard Skiing at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU should be on every skier’s bucket list. There’s enough snow to go around, and then some.
Meet the Savannah Bananas’ Secret Weapon: Choreographer Maceo Harrison
By now, we’ve all experienced it: You’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok, and suddenly you see a group of baseball players, clad in bright yellow uniforms, grooving in unison. For a second you might wonder if it’s AI-generated, because it looks like too much fun. But it’s not AI. It is, in fact, the Savannah Bananas—the dancing baseball team that has become such a viral phenomenon it led to the creation of a whole new entertainment-forward baseball league, Banana Ball.
How Studying Pedagogy Can Lift Your Dancing and Your Career
Morgan Sanborn knew she wanted to join a ballet company. But it wasn’t until she attended a pedagogy lecture-demonstration at American Ballet Theatre’s Collegiate Summer Intensive that she realized that getting certified in ABT’s National Training Curriculum could enhance her dance career. After two seasons of dancing professionally, Sanborn completed ABT’s Primary-Level 3 teacher training certificate to help her feel more confident in her teaching.
New Book Passionate Work Spotlights Corps and Freelance Dancers
Many stars of the dance world have shared their journeys through books, chronicling their glamorous or fairytale-like rise from student to premier ballet dancer. Rarely, if ever, do we read stories from the corps de ballet, despite the fact that the majority of ballet dancers make up this rank. That is precisely why sociologist Ruth Horowitz, professor emerita of sociology at New York University, decided to write her latest book, Passionate Work (Stanford University Press, $32).
Tips for Landing a Company Contract Mid-Season
In early 2020, Sophie Williams was about to embark on a supplemental contract performing with English National Ballet. But as the COVID-19 pandemic began forcing many ballet companies to cancel performances, Williams’ position fell through. Determined to find employment, Williams searched company websites for potential job openings every morning. “I was extremely vigilant,” Williams recalls.
Long runs, no lines, fresh powder … What’s not to like about Wolf Creek?
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Crestone, Wolf Creek Ski Resort is the perfect day trip for some fun in the snow. You won’t find the locally-owned area on any of the so called ‘super passes,’ and therein lies the charm. It’s not hard to see why the downhill area boasts that it has “the most snow in Colorado;” even this early in the season, when snow coverage is thin in many places, there are pockets of champagne powder hiding in the trees and over 90% of their terrain is already open.
Returning to "Nutcracker": Dancers Reflect on the Holiday Classic After 2020’s Hiatus
For most ballet companies, The Nutcracker is an annual repertoire staple, sometimes requiring dancers to perform in as many as 30 to 40 shows during the holiday season. But last year, the pandemic forced dance organizations around the world to reimagine their productions by going digital or taking it to outside venues. In many cases, companies and schools had to completely cancel this enduring tradition. Now dancers are performing Nutcracker again, after a nearly two-year hiatus.
Why These Professional Dancers Still Attend Summer Intensives—and Why They Love It - Pointe Magazine
Every summer, thousands of ballet students participate in summer dance programs. But young people aren’t the only ones. You might spot the occasional professional dancers at these intensives, too, using their annual summer layoff to hone their technique or work on areas of their repertoire that they don’t have time for during the season. Below, four pros share why they still attend summer programs—and why they think more should consider it.
Why Studying Kinesiology Could Benefit Your Ballet Career, Whether You Dance, Teach or Choreograph
Chisako Oga is a dancer on the move—in more ways than one. From childhood training in Texas, California and Japan to a San Francisco Ballet apprenticeship to her first professional post with Cincinnati Ballet, where she quickly rose to principal dancer, she has rarely stood still for long. But now the 24-year-old ballerina is right where she wants to be, as one of the most promising soloists at Boston Ballet.
Why Studying Kinesiology Could Benefit Your Ballet Career, Whether You Dance, Teach or Choreograph
When it comes to the body, dancers seem to have a sixth sense about which muscles to use when. And yet many aren't familiar with the actual science behind body movement. That's where kinesiology comes in.Kinesiology is a science studied by physical therapists and athletic trainers that is becoming more common in university dance curriculums.
Why Studying Kinesiology Could Benefit Your Ballet Career, Whether You Dance, Teach or Choreograph
Margaret Severin-Hansen, teaches class at Carolina Ballet's summer intensive. Cindy McEnery, Courtesy Carolina Ballet Last summer many intensives were canceled or online-only. And the past school year has been spotty and strange for many, as well. All the more reason to look forward to an in-person summer program this year with excitement—but also, perhaps, some nerves. Take heart, says Simon Ball, men's program coordinator at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
Why Studying Kinesiology Could Benefit Your Ballet Career, Whether You Dance, Teach or Choreograph
When it comes to the body, dancers seem to have a sixth sense about which muscles to use when. And yet many aren’t familiar with the actual science behind body movement. That’s where kinesiology comes in. Kinesiology is a science studied by physical therapists and athletic trainers that is becoming more common in university dance curriculums.
Should You Minor in Dance? It's a Major Question.
Houston Ballet principals Karina González and Connor Walsh in Stanton Welch's Sylvia (Amitava Sarkar, courtesy Houston Ballet) Few things are as nerve-racking as partnering class, especially when you're a newbie. No matter the genre, the stakes feel high—and the potential for awkwardness feels unlimited. How do you avoid smacking your partner in the face? How do you communicate a problem without causing a major conflict?
Should You Minor in Dance? It's a Major Question.
Kylie Jefferson (center, back) in "Tiny Pretty Things" (Sophie Giraud, courtesy Netflix) The pilot of Netflix's dance-centric series "Tiny Pretty Things"—based on the YA novel by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton—will leave you breathless. It touches on, well, everything: love, murder, racism, competition, jealousy, girl cliques, sexual experimentation, eating disorders. And the intricate plot is propelled by equally breathtaking ballet sequences.
Halloween Costumes That You Can Take From the Studio to the Streets
Halloween is almost here and that means its time to get serious about finding the perfect costume. A lot of you dancers need costumes that are both fun and functional so that you can go straight from dance class to the streets, without missing a beat. Here are nine of the most creative, yet versatile ensembles that'll allow you to enjoy Halloween festivities without compromising your dance training. Degas Ballet Dancer This is a super simple DIY costume that almost any dancer can assemble.
The Misty Effect: Alexandra Terry, Former Second Company Member, Ballet West
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Meet Olivia Book, the Ballet West Academy Student Who Isn't Letting Her Disability Stop Her
Ballet West Academy Professional Training Division student Olivia Book. Haskell Photography, Courtesy Book. When you see Olivia Book dance, you first notice her long lines, incredible control and captivating stage presence. It's obvious why the Canadian dancer received high marks at Toronto's Youth American Grand Prix competition last year—the girl has talent! It isn't until a second or third glance that you realize that one of the 16-year-old's arms is a little different than most.
She's a Ballerina. And a Quantum Physicist. And Maybe an Astronaut.
For the past decade, Merritt Moore has been living a double life as both a professional ballerina and a quantum physicist. While dancing with Zurich Ballet and Boston Ballet, she received her undergrad degree from Harvard in physics, and she's currently pursuing a PhD in quantum physics at Oxford while performing with English National Ballet and London Contemporary Ballet. Now, Moore is hoping to add another ball to her juggling act: becoming an astronaut.
Meet Olivia Book, the Ballet West Academy Student Who Isn't Letting Her Disability Stop Her
When you see Olivia Book dance, you first notice her long lines, incredible control and captivating stage presence. It's obvious why the Canadian dancer received high marks at Toronto's Youth American Grand Prix competition last year—the girl has talent! It isn't until a second or third glance that you realize that one of the 16-year-old's arms is a little different than most.
The Rockettes' Off-Season Fitness Routines
Watching the Radio City Rockettes perform a dazzling array of precision dance routines in their annual Christmas Spectacular show is a tradition many New Yorkers use to welcome the winter season. But how do these leggy ladies spend their off-season and what do they do to maintain their pristine technique, strength, and stamina when they're not on stage?
6 Dance Stars Share Their New Year's Resolutions for 2019
One of the best (and most challenging) things about dance is that no matter how good you are, there will always be something more you can do to improve. Dance Spirit talked to some of the biggest dance stars to find out what they're hoping to work on during this next year. Between dance resolutions and "real life" resolutions these dance phenoms have their eyes on the prize and are ready to make 2019 their best year yet.
New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Dancers
Yes, New Year's resolutions are still a thing! As obnoxious as it is to be constantly bombarded by "What's your New Year's resolution this year?," this goal-setting tradition can actually be the first step in making healthy changes that will help you improve as a dancer. But in order for those changes to occur you have to have a plan. That's where goal setting comes in.
Meet the Claras of the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular"
Rachel Quiner performs Clara in the Christmas Spectacular (courtesy Rachel Quiner) Think the Rockettes are the only stars of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular? Think again. Each year, a few lucky girls share the role of Clara, who appears during the Nutcracker portion of the show. Clara gets to do some real dancing, too, including solos and pas de deux.
Belle vs. Elsa: A Dance Battle That Will Forever Change the Way You Think of Disney Princesses
Often, Disney princesses get flak for being weak and passive as they wait to be rescued by their princes. But Scott Winn's video of Belle and Elsa breaking it down in a fierce dance battle gives these princesses some serious street cred. It doesn't hurt that a few of the best dancers in the biz are featured in the playful parody.
NYCB's Jenelle Manzi Shares Her Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Jenelle Manzi shares her favorite Thanksgiving recipes (courtesy Manzi) Thanksgiving is almost here and that means that come tomorrow there will be lots and lots of food to eat (cue happy dance!!!). And because there's always room on the Thanksgiving table for more dishes and treats, we asked New York City ballet dancer and food blogger Jenelle Manzi (who is no stranger to creative culinary concoctions) for her favorite fall recipes of the moment.
Should You Minor in Dance? It's a Major Question.
University of Utah dance students in rehearsal (photo by Nora Lang, courtesy University of Utah) Dance has always been a huge part of your life. But now that you're about to head to college, you might be wondering: In order to feel fulfilled and successful, do you need to major in dance? The answer, of course, depends on the person. But for some, a dance minor is the best option. We asked a group of experts to answer all your questions about minoring in dance.
Should You Minor in Dance? It's a Major Question.
Sometimes our dance bags feel like portals to another dimension—we have no idea what half the stuff buried in our bags even is. (Note to self: Clean out dance bag.) But have you ever wondered if there's a method to the madness? We're pretty sure there is, and as always, we're pretty sure it's something to do with astrology. That's right, your resident Dance Spirit astrologers are back with our best guess at what you keep in your dance bag—based on your zodiac sign.
Should You Minor in Dance? It's a Major Question.
Dance has always been a huge part of your life. But now that you're about to head to college, you might be wondering: In order to feel fulfilled and successful, do you need to major in dance? The answer, of course, depends on the person. But for some, a dance minor is the best option. We asked a group of experts to answer all your questions about minoring in dance. How do dance minor programs differ from dance major programs?
Should You Minor in Dance? It's a Major Question.
Dance has always been a huge part of your life. But now that you’re about to head to college, you might be wondering: In order to feel fulfilled and successful, do you need to major in dance? The answer, of course, depends on the person. But for some, a dance minor is the best option. We asked a group of experts to answer all your questions about minoring in dance. How do dance minor programs differ from dance major programs?
How One Ballerina Took Over the Catwalk During This Summer's Paris Fashion Week
Ballerina Maria Kousouni is used to an attentive audience. But when she stepped onstage in Paris this past July, her audience—not to mention the venue and the costumes—were a little unusual. After all, opening a couture fashion show for designer Celia Kritharioti during Paris Fashion Week—with British Vogue's editor in chief in the crowd—isn't exactly a typical gig.
More Than A Medal: Why These Pro Dancers Didn't Have to Win to Benefit from Ballet Competitions
Ballet competitions are an exciting part of any dancer's career. Yet while scholarships, prize money, job offers and the prestige that comes with winning a medal are compelling incentives to participate in one, they're not the only benefits. In fact, many dancers who go home empty-handed still look fondly on the experience and go on to become successful professionals. This week, the 2019 Genée International Ballet Competition kicks off in Toronto.
This Dad Performing His Daughter's Dance Routine Will Give You All the Father's Day Feels
Stage fright is no joke! Any dancer who's experienced the sudden whirl of butterflies in the stomach that can make you feel slightly nauseous will agree that those nerves can hamper your performance, no matter how many hours you've practiced. So we can totally relate to the tears shed by this tiny toddler as she practices her dance on stage for the first time.
Former "DWTS" Pro Chelsie Hightower Reveals How Her Anxiety Affected Her Dancing Career
Kylie Jefferson (center, back) in "Tiny Pretty Things" (Sophie Giraud, courtesy Netflix) The pilot of Netflix's dance-centric series "Tiny Pretty Things"—based on the YA novel by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton—will leave you breathless. It touches on, well, everything: love, murder, racism, competition, jealousy, girl cliques, sexual experimentation, eating disorders. And the intricate plot is propelled by equally breathtaking ballet sequences.
Former "DWTS" Pro Chelsie Hightower Reveals How Her Anxiety Affected Her Dancing Career
From competing on "So You Think You Can Dance" to performing on "Dancing with the Stars" for seven seasons and earning an Emmy nomination for her performances on the latter, Chelsie Hightower has lived the pro dance dream. Though Hightower retired from "DWTS" several years ago and now teaches and choreographs in her home state of Utah, she admits that her dance career succeeded even her own high expectations. "I've accomplished things that I didn't even know were possible," she says.
Former "DWTS" Pro Chelsie Hightower Reveals How Her Anxiety Affected Her Dancing Career
From competing on "So You Think You Can Dance" to performing on "Dancing with the Stars" for seven seasons (and earning an Emmy nomination for her work on the latter), Chelsie Hightower has lived the pro dance dream. Though Hightower retired from "DWTS" several years ago and now teaches and choreographs in her home state of Utah, she admits that her dance career exceeded even her own high expectations. "I've accomplished things that I didn't know were possible," she says.
Watch This Dancer with Down Syndrome Perform a Routine That'll Bring Tears to Your Eyes
Hall works with students at Dance Conservatory of Charleston. (courtesy Dance Conservatory of Charleston) As the name suggests, summer intensives are, well, intense, encouraging you to eat, sleep, and breathe dance for a significant chunk of the summer. But they're not for every dancer—or every summer. Maybe you're not ready to be away from home just yet, or you want to spend your last summer with family before going off to college.
Watch Nardia Boodoo Slay in the New Tory Sport Campaign
Hall works with students at Dance Conservatory of Charleston. (courtesy Dance Conservatory of Charleston) As the name suggests, summer intensives are, well, intense, encouraging you to eat, sleep, and breathe dance for a significant chunk of the summer. But they're not for every dancer—or every summer. Maybe you're not ready to be away from home just yet, or you want to spend your last summer with family before going off to college.
Watch Nardia Boodoo Slay in the New Tory Sport Campaign
Hall works with students at Dance Conservatory of Charleston. (courtesy Dance Conservatory of Charleston) As the name suggests, summer intensives are, well, intense, encouraging you to eat, sleep, and breathe dance for a significant chunk of the summer. But they're not for every dancer—or every summer. Maybe you're not ready to be away from home just yet, or you want to spend your last summer with family before going off to college.
Check Out Parris Goebel's Savage New Docuseries
You've completed your summer intensive auditions and received your acceptance letters. Congrats! Now, it's time to choose where you'll be spending this vital training time. While it's easy to select the program with the biggest name, or head to the school where all your friends are going, it might not always be the best choice for you. Instead, it's most important to end up at a program that will nurture you while pushing you to fulfill your potential.
How to Set–and Achieve–Your Dance and Fitness Goals
Tanya Trombly is a dancer and professional trainer (photo by Rachel Neville, courtesy Trombly) It's almost the new year, which means resolution-making will be a "thing" for at least the next week. And while making goals (especially fitness-related ones) is an important part of progressing as a dancer, more times than not, New Year's resolutions end up as forgotten promises. But resolutions don't always have to result in guilt and disappointment.
Abby Lee Is Officially Returning to "Dance Moms"
via @therealabbylee on Instagram The year 2019 is already off to a dramatic start for dance fans, thanks to Abby Lee Miller's latest announcement. The infamously tough dance coach just let the world know that she'll begin filming Season 8 of the hit reality series "Dance Moms" at the end of January. Her return to the show will come as a surprise to many, because Miller's been dealing with a myriad of personal challenges since quitting in 2017.
Abby Lee Miller Is Officially Returning to "Dance Moms"
Sarah Reich's crystal-clear sounds, expert musicality, and vivacious energy have solidified her as one of this generation's tap greats. A Culver City, CA, native, Reich began tapping at age 5. At 12 years old, she started going to clubs to learn salsa, where she began mixing tap steps with salsa and merengue movement, creating what's become her signature flair.
6 Dance Stars Share Their New Years Resolutions for 2019
Sarah Reich's crystal-clear sounds, expert musicality, and vivacious energy have solidified her as one of this generation's tap greats. A Culver City, CA, native, Reich began tapping at age 5. At 12 years old, she started going to clubs to learn salsa, where she began mixing tap steps with salsa and merengue movement, creating what's become her signature flair.
How to Set–and Achieve–Your Dance and Fitness Goals for 2018
Tanya Trombly is a dancer and professional trainer (photo by Rachel Neville, courtesy Trombly) It's almost the new year, which means resolution-making will be a "thing" for at least the next week. And while making goals (especially fitness-related ones) is an important part of progressing as a dancer, more times than not, New Year's resolutions end up as forgotten promises. But resolutions don't always have to result in guilt and disappointment.
New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Dancers
Yes, New Year's resolutions are still a thing! As obnoxious as it is to be constantly bombarded by "What's your New Year's resolution this year?," this goal-setting tradition can actually be the first step in making healthy changes that will help you improve as a dancer. But in order for those changes to occur you have to have a plan. That's where goal setting comes in.
New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Dancers
Yes, New Year's resolutions are still a thing! As obnoxious as it is to be constantly bombarded by "What's your New Year's resolution this year?," this goal-setting tradition can actually be the first step in making healthy changes that will help you improve as a dancer. But in order for those changes to occur you have to have a plan. That's where goal setting comes in.
7 Long Lasting Makeup Products for Dancers
Just for Fun Keep reading... Show less Photo by Jayme Thornton Keep reading... Show less Photo by Joan Fisher, courtesy Delaney Glazer Delaney Glazer's captivating cool-girl presence and precise, hard-hitting moves have made her a commercial superstar (she has a casual 1 million followers on Instagram).
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