Tag: black history month

Jore lays her head upon a green fabric, gazing into the distance.

#BlackDanceHistoryIsHappeningNow: Jore Marshall

In celebration of Black History Month, Dance Spirit is saluting young Black artists who don’t just represent a bright future for the dance industry—they’re already making history of their own. Fifth in our series: Jore Marshall. Be sure to check dancespirit.com throughout February to meet more dancers who embody Black excellence in dance and in […]

#BlackDanceHistoryIsHappeningNow Maxfield Haynes

#BlackDanceHistoryIsHappeningNow: Maxfield Haynes

In celebration of Black History Month, Dance Spirit is saluting young Black artists who don’t just represent a bright future for the dance industry—they’re already making history of their own. First up in our series: Maxfield Haynes. Be sure to check dancespirit.com throughout February to meet more dancers who embody Black excellence in dance and […]

Celebrating Black Futures Month: 4 Up-and-Coming Black Dancers Making History Right Now

Throughout the month of February, many Americans celebrate Black History Month, a period of the year dedicated to honoring the contributions of Black figures to American culture and society. The lesser-known Black Futures Month, which is also celebrated in February—and often in conjunction with BHM—looks to art and artists to envision an equitable future for […]

Celebrate Black History Month at Home with 7 Dance-centric Books and Films

Still stuck at home and looking for ways to honor a socially-distant Black History Month? This February, consider taking some time to educate yourself, and to celebrate the contributions and experiences of Black dancers with these seven inspiring book and movie recommendations. “Black Ballerina” The 2016 documentary from producer/director Frances McElroy interweaves the stories of […]

5 Iconic Black Artists Who Changed Dance History

Throughout history, trailblazing Black dancers pushed dance and choreography into the future, and broke countless barriers in their pursuit of artistry. Yet Black dancers and creators are often omitted from dance history curricula. To celebrate Black History Month—and to help you widen your window into dance history—Dance Spirit compiled an (incomplete!) list of some of […]

Nike Celebrates Black History Month with the Help of Two Fantastic Dancers (and Serena Williams)

Yesterday, the first of Nike’s new Common Thread video series dropped, and we were thrilled to see that it featured dancers—namely, Dance Theatre of Harlem member (and June/July 2017 Pointe cover star) Ingrid Silva, and Florida-based ballet student Alex Thomas. Even better, it’s narrated by tennis phenom Serena Williams. This series of short videos celebrates […]

May We All Grow Up To Be 106-Year-Old Dancing Queen Virginia McLaurin

Hello, friends! Are you having a bit of a rough Monday? Let 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin fix that for you. Correction: 106-year old dancing queen Virginia McLaurin. Actually, no—that still doesn’t convey the fabulousness of this grand lady. Let’s go with: 106-year-old PRESIDENTIAL DANCE PARTNER and TOTAL ROCKSTAR Virginia McLaurin. Over the weekend, the impossibly cool […]