Let’s begin by saying that luger Kate Hansen is, indisputably, the Dancing Queen of the Sochi Olympics. But she’s not the only Olympian boogying her way through the games: U.S. bobsledder Jazmime Fenlator is giving Hansen a run for her money. Yesterday, Jazmine’s teammate, Lolo Jones, posted this Vine of Jazmine in a pretty intense […]
Dance may not be an official Olympic sport. But, man, has it managed to sneak its way into Sochi, or what?! It seems like everyone’s been talking about dance this Olympic season. First, there was CBS Sport’s interview with Canadian skeleton racer Sarah Reid about her ballet background. Then, U.S. figure skater Gracie Gold talked […]
As we suspected, the 2014 Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony Friday night was nothing short of sensational. A flashy and mind-boggling revue spanning Russia’s rich history, it had all the ingredients necessary for a Broadway-sized spectacle—multiplied by a bajillion. Special effects? Check. Amazing sets? Check. Wacky costumes? Check. Far-out symbolism that was slightly over everyone’s heads? […]
Oh my gosh, you guys. We owe Buzzfeed an eternal debt of gratitude for introducing us* to “ski ballet,” the most amazing Olympic sport that ever was. Unfortunately, we’re using the past tense here for a reason. At the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, ski ballet was a demonstration sport—it had a trial run, essentially, to […]
NBC’s “Today” is in full-on Olympic fever mode (aren’t we all?). This morning, the show’s Sochi installment was a look at Russian ballet, particularly as it relates to the training of Russia’s figure skaters. In addition to touring the Bolshoi Academy (where they captured footage of some very sweet—and serious—little ballet students), “Today” interviewed our […]
Let’s talk about Olympic figure-skating hopeful Gracie Gold, shall we? OK, no, she’s not a dancer. But 18-year-old Gracie’s one of those rare skaters who’s more than just an athlete. In addition to nailing all her technical elements, she moves with balletic elegance, fluidity, and purity of line—elements that, while they don’t necessarily affect her […]
Lately, I’ve been feeling a little nostalgic for the London Olympics. The dog days of summer just aren’t much fun without headline-making athletic feats to look forward to at the end of the day. If you were also a fan of the “Fab Five” gymnastics wonder girls, you’re about to be just as giddy I […]
I hate to say this, but: Called it. Last night’s Olympic closing ceremony featured a huge dance number choreographed by the fantastic Christopher Wheeldon and featuring 300 dancers, led by Royal Ballet legend Darcey Bussell. But as I mentioned on Friday, I had a sneaking suspicion that American audiences wouldn’t get to see that part […]