Art and Opportunities – and More Year of the Rabbit Celebrations!

We are thrilled to share the news about Boston Center for the Arts 2023 Dancemakers Laboratory Residents: Wendy Jehlen, Laila J. Franklin and Audrey MacLean!  This residency offers choreographers and dancers the opportunity to further research and revise works that address pressing issues and reflections on humanity. Through a series of open rehearsals, the artists create a feedback loop with mentors … Continued

Celebrating MLK and the Year of the Rabbit!

Congratulations on recipients of the first round of 2023 National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Project grants, Jacob’s Pillow, Jean Appolon Expressions and our friends in Rhode Island, Island Moving Company. Northeastern University received a grant to host an NEA Research Labs using participatory action research methods to evaluate whether and how community arts workshops in East Boston, Massachusetts, … Continued

Dance Bridges Cultures…

  SMU DataArts released its report on the top 40 arts-vibrant communities of 2022 and both Boston and Cambridge and the surrounding suburbs (Newton and Framingham) got a nod. There is no overall ranking this year, since the researchers took into account the complicated pandemic-related changes that have affected every aspect of the arts ecology. But interestingly Boston ranked … Continued

Let’s Dance in 2023!

Somatic Partnering Workshop  with Ilya Vidrin & Jessi Stegall. This workshop for intermediate and advanced dancers will introduce the basics of Ilya & Jessi’s partnering technique, which combines dance with questions that challenge and enhance ethical interaction. This unique approach includes exercises that engage subtle elements of relational movement, including touch, proximity, shared weight, and mutual gaze. Masks … Continued

One Dancing Year Ends – A New One Begins!

BDA notes with great sadness the passing of Urban Nutcracker and Tony Williams Dance Center stalwart and Roxbury native son Ilanga one day before Christmas. Tony writes: His early years were spent singing nationally and internationally with the 1950s Doo Wop group,The G-Clefs. However, his real passion was as an Afro -Jazz dancer. He danced for many years in … Continued

Celebrating Dancing Lights

BDA applauds the decision by Skate Canada to announce that ice dance or pairs teams competing domestically can be composed of any two athletes, regardless of gender. Karen Butcher, president of Skate Canada noted “This [rule] change is about removing barriers to participation in skating, and we believe it will have a significant impact in ensuring all … Continued

Delight and Inspiration

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker Family Affair will feature select highlights from the beloved Holiday Classic, including snowflakes, soldiers, mice, angels, cherubs, and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier of course. Immerse yourself in Clara’s journey as you enjoy tasty treats, refreshments, and a wine & beer bar in a Kingdom of the Sweets atmosphere. … Continued

Dance Makes Spirits Bright!

  A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrates its 10th anniversary this season. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into an inspirational holiday event. Wednesday, December 7, 7:30 PM at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St Providence, RI.   The Three Nights of … Continued

Dances of Commemoration and Celebration

  “Three Nights of Lights” will feature three “Carte Blanche” performances by Montreal-based ice-dancing company Le Patin Libre, three partial WaterFires, a series of events centered around the illumination of many of Providence’s murals from The Avenue Concept, and at least two holiday tree lightings. Thursday, December 1 at 6, 7 & 8 PM at BankNewport City Center, The Providence Rink. The final 8 PM performance … Continued

Grateful for Dance – and you!

    Congratulations to Mesma Belsaré who has been named a Dance/USA Artist Fellow! While now living in New York, Mesma was a longtime area resident and continues to co-direct Samvād Boston, a community space for Indian classical dancers and musicians. The Dance/USA Artist Fellow program focuses on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. … Continued