A dramatically visual artform is not immune from discourse. In fact, dance is enhanced by generating a more thoughtful language. Hosted by Jordan McHenry, Dance on Air is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the dynamic dance environment through interviews, commentary, and connection.
The Jacob Jonas Company exists on the edge of intersecting mediums. A thoughtful leader himself, Jonas's work unites communities and advocates for dance in a unique and increasingly relevant way. Partnering with DIYDancer Magazine for Issue 03 'Seen Unseen', Jonas brought together the L.A. dance community to create a spread that celebrates the power of collaboration.
Ballet Hispanico returns to the Apollo Theater November 22nd & 23rd for an evening that "deconstructs stereotypes and delves into cultural identity" with a bill of all Latina choreographers. Annabelle Lopez Ochoa lets us in on her process and how she learned to embrace her complex heritage as an inspiration for storytelling.
David Zambrano is the founder of TicTac Arts Center in Brussels as well as the creator of Flying Low & Passing Through. In the last decade, his method has exploded in popularity in contemporary dance circles across Europe as an inclusive, experiential, socio-centric method appealing to all types of movers. Zambrano, himself, is a charismatic draw. Live from Vitlyke Center for Performing Arts.
Emily Molnar, the Artistic Director of Ballet BC sat down with Dance on Air the morning after the company opened the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival this summer. Days later Molnar was announced as the next Artistic Director of NDT. This is her interview.
Matthew Neenan, co-director of Jacob's Pillow Contemporary Ballet Program, shares his time with Dance on Air. Take a listen as he interrogates definitions and explores what it takes to fully prepare for today's work environment. Words of advice include, "Play, put down your phone, absorb everything and go to bed tired."
From a young age, Sidra Bell was keenly aware of the communal power of art. It permeates her approach to teaching, creating and engaging with audiences. In her insightful interview learn how one of today's most sought after choreographers languages the physical experience and pushes her work with sincerity and rigor. Sidra Bell Dance New York presents Bell's 11th full-evening work, Prelude/Identity, at the GK Arts Center in Brooklyn June 21st and 22nd! Don't miss it!
In its 87th year, Jacob's Pillow is home to the oldest dance festival in North America and sets the standard for dance presentation and culture care in the United States. Always evolving, this esteemed institution creates space for dance to thrive in a multitude of ways, both locally and globally. Dance On Air is honored to interview Pamela Tatge, the director of Jacob's Pillow and get an insiders perspective from an industry leader.
TRAUMNOVELLE: A new site-specific dance collaboration created by Adam Barruch and Chelsea Bonosky will be presented at Arts on Site in NYC starting June 12th. Only 10 tickets a night! But long before this show, there is a history of friendship that further informs all that lays hidden in the creative process of TRAUMNOVELLE. The episode is available now!
For me, this "Yard" would be a playground without walls. A place to explore, experiment, and construct. A place of possibility, joy, love, anger, frustration; a space in which to come together and to be alone. -Patricia Nanon, The Yard Founder Take a listen to Artistic Director of the Yard, David White and associate producer, Holly Jones, tell Dance On Air about all the complexities of curating a summer festival and the importance of fostering a healthy well-rounded arts community.
Shannon Gillen, Artistic Director of Vim Vigor, poetically states that physical dance theater connects so well with so many people because it, "gives one permission to be truthful, heroic and vulnerable... crossing the threshold between physics and emotional behavior." 'Forever'- Vim Vigor's newest work, premieres next week, March 21st-24th at Playwrights Horizons in New York City. You do not want to miss it!
'The People Electric' is just the beginning for Shelly Hawkins and her budding company, Hawkinsdance. Their first full-length stage show is set to premiere March 13th-15th at the Scoundral and Scamp Theater in Tucson, AZ. Bringing the seed of an idea through to conception is a process that teaches one so much about the realities of the industry. Shelly has managed to navigate this journey sincerely and passionately! Take a listen!
A dance desert no longer, Nashville's New Dialect is blossoming. Embracing strong community partnerships while fertilizing the community with internationally renowned collaborations, Banning Bouldin has 'co-generated' a strong and thriving organization.
Camille A. Brown and dancers present 'ink' at the Joyce Theater February 5th-10th. 'ink' is the third installment of Brown's interrogation and celebration of Black identity. Listen to Camille reflect on the motivations behind her work and its' location within the present cultural moment. Available Now!
Gallim Dance Company opens February 12th-17th at The Joyce Theater with the world premiere of 'To Create a World' Listen to the #RERelease of our interview with Artistic director, Andrea Miller with a new prologue by dancer Allysen Hooks. Tune in to hear Allysen's take on the new work and to get some keen insight on how dancers internalize the creative process.
Seattle's contemporary dance company Whim W'Him opens this weekend at Cornish Playhouse. 3x3 is an all new mixed bill program including Yin Yue, Zoe Scofield and Artistic Director Olivier Wevers, but as this weeks interviewee, Wevers poetically states, "A life-time as a dancer would still not be enough to experience all the beautiful choreographic voices, ideas and ways of using the body."
Ben Wardell, director of The Cambrians, is an artist of the highest caliber. His core creative values are present in all levels of his companies' framework. From his methods for generating work to his 'pay what you can' tickets, Ben is a model for the fully integrated artist. Don't miss his interview with Chicago contributor Ethan Kirshbaum, or his show Chicago Dances, January 18th-20th at the Preston Bradley Center.
Immersive theater has exploded onto the contemporary dance scene, captivating audiences with new and imaginative ways of engagement. What makes something immersive? Why is it so popular? Chelsea Bonosky asks these questions and more of the directors of Cinereal Productions, Billy Bell and Ali Castro, specifically about their new event The Unbrunch. Journey down the rabbit hole!
Kyle Abraham exists at crossroads between "urban" roots and affluent expectations. Bringing Kanye to Lincon Center was just a landmark in a career that spans solo work, high visibility music collaborations and ballet companies. Inseparable from the current cultural climate, his presence within the dance community is a commentary on disparities and diversity. His work is the remedy.
Offset Dance Fest happening January 3rd-5th at The Mark O'Donnell Theater in Brooklyn is not only a product of Belinda McGuire's passion but an implementation of her deep engagement with dance performance as a social and personal practice. Belinda is an astute diagnostician and the way she captures the state of the dance industry is illuminative. Listen now!
Alice Klock and Florian Lochner are a collaborative team over-flowing with knowledge, heart & giggles. With Chicago correspondent Ethan Kirschbaum at the mic, they discuss the nature of team-work, philosophies underpinning their process and of course super-powers!
Transforming a vision into a company is not an easy endavor, but Kyra Jean Green of Trip the Light Fantastic does it with joyus ease, letting her passions, creativity and social beliefs motivate her story telling ways.
The Creative Director of DIY Dancer Magazine, Lara Wilson Townsend joins us to share the origin story of DIY. We also critically reflect on how dance is reported, the nature of media consumption and how we present the artform more broadly. Grab a copy of their second issue NOW. This publication is a moment of aesthetic clarity and a gift to readers!
Eve Walstrum's resume drips with historical importance. As a dancer in The American Ballet Company, Batsheva and Nederlands Dance Theater, she is a pioneer. She is the original cast in some of the lexicons most important ballets by Jiri Kylian, William Forsythe and many more, not to mention, she's a fabulous storyteller.
Rachel Patrice Fallon, a dancer with Hofesh Shechter Company, discusses the complexities of dancing for film. With the release of Shechter's 'Clowns' on BBC2, a new wave of dance film is changing how we engage with concert dance.
Hanna Brictson is a choreographer of the NOW. Her impact on the Chicago dance scene is expanding, her work is palpably effective and highly entertaining. Helping us get to know her is our new Chicago correspondent, Ethan Kirshbaum.
Symbiosis Arts founders Braeden Barns and Ryland Early know how to pump energy into a room...and into a podcast. Dance on Air strives to support emerging dance talent and these two creators have a bright future. Get to know them on this week's podcast!
The Palais Garnier is one of the most symbolic and pre-eminent performance venues in the world. Also known as the Paris Opera, it is a monument to live dance performance. Dancers Lloyd Knight and Charlotte Landreau of the Martha Graham Dance Company join us to reflect on performing in such a historic theater.
The Artistic Director of Gallim, Andrea Miller reflects on her 10th Anniversary, the future of Gallim and the complexities of creation in the digital age. Her perspective as a mother, activist, and artist is impressively compelling. Join the discussion and take a listen.
Scott Gormley's documentary, Danseur potently exposes gender stereotypes in the ballet world. Through his critically focused and often emotional film, he brings to light a topic desperately in need of attention.
Hubbard Street's Fall Series is an ambitious collaboration with dynamic relevance. This interview with Hubbard Street dancers Jacqueline Burnett and Michael Gross is an honest reflection on organizational identity, risk and creative impulse. Take a listen and join the discussion!
Paul Taylor is a giant in American Modern Dance. His impact on the concert dance lexicon is unquantifiable. This interview with Rachel Berman and Patrick Corbin is a beautiful ode to his iconic contributions. Kick your feet up and take a listen!
The prologue to the 8 part bi-weekly season, premiering Sept 13th.