If Devan Aischa Smith could describe working on pop star Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour in one word, it would be “evolutionary.” As dance captain, she transformed alongside the show, learning and teaching new choreography as the concept came into focus.  No stranger to the tour lifestyle, Smith’s past gigs include world tours with Justin Bieber and Gwen Stefani, as well as performances with Halsey and The Jonas Brothers. Her movement is sharp and decisive, drawing focus even within large groups of dancers.  Dance Spirit caught up with Smith to talk about the audition process for GUTS, working with Rodrigo, […]

At age 8, ShanDien Sonwai LaRance’s father made it a point for her and her two brothers to train together every day at a recreation center in Flagstaff, Arizona. Different-colored hoops sprinkled the floor as the LaRance children prepared for their hour of after-school training in Native American hoop dance. Although she wanted to go downstairs to play with her friends, her dad affectionately said “Practice now, and one day, this dance will open doors for you.”  He was right. Through hoop dance, LaRance has become an advocate for Indigenous communities, sharing her Native American culture with the world. She […]

Christopher Scott. Photo by Sophy Holland, courtesy Universal Pictures. When Christopher Scott became the choreographer for the film Wicked, he wasn’t in a meeting or on a phone call. He was at the home of his longtime friend, the film director Jon M. Chu. Chu simply handed Scott a hat decorated with the Wicked logo and said, “Are you ready?” That’s how Scott knew it was real, he says, “And then the journey began. And it was one of the craziest journeys of my life.” According to Scott, the path to Wicked started 16 years ago, when he worked with […]

On Sunday, November 17, the World Choreography Awards hosted its 14th-annual event in Los Angeles to celebrate the innovative, original dance works of some of the world’s most talented choreographers in television, film, music videos, commercials, and digital content. Here are the winners: Motion PictureFatima Robinson, associates Adrian Wiltshire and Tia Rivera: The Color Purple Television Award Show/SpecialParris Goebel: Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Television Reality ShowTessandra Chavez: “The Kelly Clarkson Show” CommercialsParris Goebel: TRESemmé Television (Episodic)Jon Boogz, associate Malaena Eagle: “Blindspotting” (for “Routines: The History / San Quentin Blues”) ​Digital Content (Independent)Robbie Blue: “Dance Dance Shimmy Celebration Extravaganza” ​Music […]

Dance has always played an integral role in the Miss Universe pageants, as it showcases a contestant’s grace, poise, and confidence. With the upcoming Miss Universe 2023 competition, the significance of dance will be greater than ever. In this article, we will explore the journey of contestants as they prepare for the dance segment of the competition. We will discuss the challenges they face and the impact of dance on their confidence levels. So, let’s dive into the world of dance and Miss Universe! The Role of Dance in Miss Universe Pageants Dance performances are an essential component of the […]

Let’s Dance into December: Unveiling the Magic of December Dance Parties

Establish as a Dance Teacher Here are a few points on how to establish oneself as a dance teacher. In summary, to establish oneself as a dance teacher in 2023, it’s important to develop a unique teaching style, embrace technology, build a strong network, continuously improve your skills, create a strong online presence, and offer specialized classes or workshops. By following these tips, dance teachers can differentiate themselves in a competitive market and build a successful career in the industry.