This article originally appeared in the Culture section of Bloomberg News on September 19, 2008. Sept. 19 (Bloomberg) -- The most rewarding number in Wednesday's opening night of New York City Center's annual Fall for Dance marathon came last: a dozen of the National Ballet of Canada's men magnificently performing Jiri Kylian's ``Soldiers' Mass.'' The dance was composed in 1980; its message, of the men's fear, courage, patriotism, bonding and hope so certain to be defeated, couldn't be more timely. Beautiful, too, though not so … [Read more...]

This article originally appeared in the Culture section of Bloomberg News on September 16, 2008. Two San Francisco Ballet dancers perform during a routine. Photographer: Erik Tomasson/New York City Center via Bloomberg News Sept. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Ten dollars for any seat in the house at New York City Center? That admission fee to the Fall for Dance Festival, Sept. 17 to 27, may be the biggest bargain of the dance season about to launch. Now in its fifth year, the series operates on the something-for-everyone principle. Each of its 10 … [Read more...]

This essay describes the celebrated funambulist Philippe Petit's "punishment" for his clandestine walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center on August 7, 1974. The essay was first published by Dance magazine in November, 1974. It is reprinted here as a complement to my latest article for Voice of Dance, Sky High, which discusses James Marsh's recently released film chronicling the original event, Man on Wire. To read Sky High, click here. We're walking to the park in the dead heat of the August night. In front of the path to the … [Read more...]