Tag: kenny ortega

Here's the Full List of the 2020 World Choreography Award Nominees

We at Dance Spirit are *huge* fans of awards shows—particularly, awards shows that highlight dance. So naturally, we’re extra-huge fans of the World Choreography Awards, which have recognized and celebrated all the fabulous choreography happening in movies, TV shows, commercials, and on stages for a full decade. For the WCA 10th anniversary, the winners of […]

Kenny Ortega Is the Newest Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Congrats to Kenny Ortega, who just earned a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame! The legendary choreographer and director was presented with the 2,667th star on the iconic thoroughfare yesterday. Ortega’s mile-long list of achievements includes everything from Dirty Dancing (1987) to Newsies (1992). And that all came BEFORE the dance-filled franchise we hold near […]

There's a New Dance T.V. Show In the Works

You guys know we prick up our ears at the first mention of any dance-related T.V. or movie. And wasn’t it just the other day that I was singing Jennifer Beals’ praises? So naturally, the dance gods heard me and put the two together: Deadline is reporting that Jennifer Beals and Kenny Ortega are teaming […]

“SYTYCD” Season 9: The Top 20 Perform

Last night the Season 9 Top 20 took the stage in the first real competition of the season. And boy, did things get hot! Over at the judges’ table, High School Musical director Kenny Ortega joined Nigel and Mary and—phew!—was I glad to have an articulate and knowledgeable judge with real dance experience weighing in […]

Choreographer's Collage: Liz Imperio

Liz Imperio. by Ed Flores Photography Liz Imperio’s choreography is electric. True to her Latin dance roots, her work exudes smooth sensuality and rhythmic vitality. The first in her Cuban family to be born in America, Imperio started out as a ballet dancer before falling in love with flamenco. At 15, she began assisting choreographer […]

Evan Kasprzak's Favorite Performance

I’m editing a piece for our May/June issue in which dancers talk about their favorite performances. It includes some pretty amazing stories. (New York City Ballet principal Wendy Whelan’s contribution made me cry—it’s so moving.) “So You Think You Can Dance” alum and current Newsies boy Evan Kasprzak sent in a quote just a tad […]