This article originally appeared in the Winter 2005/06 issue (Vol. 14, No. 4) of Dance Now. As far as I can recall, the first dance book I owned was Tamara Karsavina’s memoir, Theatre Street. My favourite uncle gave it to me when I was a child—I don’t know why. Uncle Harry was cheerfully free from acquaintance with the arts, and Terpsichore had not yet claimed me for her own. Never mind. I read it—absorbed, enchanted, in thrall to the artist’s vivid, trenchant glimpses of her life’s journey: Childhood in St Petersburg in the … [Read more...]

This article originally appeared in the Culture section of Bloomberg News on December 27, 2005. Dec. 27 (Bloomberg) -- The program for Savion Glover's new show at New York's Joyce Theater contains a 25-word biography of the legendary dancer that ends: ``Praise almighty God.'' Witnesses to the tireless rhythmic invention and dazzling technical prowess of this genius of tap may be roused to cry ``Amen.'' Glover, one of the greatest dancers of his generation in any genre, is the sole dancer in ``Visions of a Bible.'' He also has choreographed … [Read more...]

This article originally appeared in the Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times on December 18, 2005. THE boy on the platform faces a pair of curlicued bronze candelabra bearing scarlet candles. He removes the central taper from one of them, inserts the index finger of his right hand into the metal hollow, upends himself and balances, his svelte, perfectly proportioned body taut and unwavering, supported only by the one finger. He is Christian Atayde Stoinev, who turned 14 last week. He's a star in the Big Apple Circus, the one-ring, … [Read more...]

This article originally appeared in the Culture section of Bloomberg News on December 9, 2005. Dec. 9 (Bloomberg) -- The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been lucky in its association with the young black choreographer Ronald K. Brown. His previous works for the company, ``Grace'' (1999) and ``Serving Nia'' (2001), showed promising skill and a rich imagination. Unfortunately his new piece, ``Ife / My Heart,'' which premiered earlier this week, disappointed. The dance presents what I take to be three generations of the African diaspora. … [Read more...]