Last week at our DT+ Teacher Talk, I had the honor of being joined by not one but three very special guests—Dionne Figgins, artistic director of Ballet Tech; Bianca Zumbo Caryl, head coach of the Arizona State University dance team; and Nile H. Russell, director of education for the American Dance Festival—to discuss what audition panelists look for in dancers. If you’re striving to ensure your students’ success during this challenging time (who isn’t?), you’ll be privy to all of their insider tips and advice on the A-to-Z’s of everything audition-related—right from preparation to day-off performance to managing emotions when […]
What My Teacher Taught Me: Brooke Taylor on Her Influential Dance Educators
When I first started at the University of Michigan, I didn’t know what to expect. Madame Penny Godboldo’s class on Dunham technique gave me a sense of groundedness and home. Before class would start, Madame Penny would look her students in the eyes to see where their energy was, then direct the class in a way her students needed. That is the definition of care, her class felt like a big hug! I am still in contact with her and carry so many of her beautiful nuggets. Madame Penny told us that if you see somebody doing a great job, […]
Watch DT+ Teacher Talk: “What Audition Panels Are Looking For”
Watch this hour-long conversation to get deeper insights into key characteristics audition panelists are looking for, tips for preparing students beyond performance ability, and advice on managing emotions when your students don’t receive their desired results. Guest speakers Nile H. Russell, director of education for the American Dance Festival; Dionne Figgins, artistic director of Ballet Tech; and Bianca Zumbo Caryl, head coach of the Arizona State University dance team bring valuable and varying perspectives to the conversation that will be highly beneficial to you regardless of whether your students are auditioning for college programs, summer intensives, or other dance opportunities. […]
Young Bharatanatyam dancer Meera Sreenarayanan impresses with her imaginative apparoach
Meera Sreenarayanan performed at The Music Academy’s 2025 dance festival.
Adithya PV’s goes on a personal quest in his Bharatanatyam recital
In some of the compositions, Adithya’s related to the gods in his own way
Vishal Krishna presented a slice of Benaras in his Kathak performance
Vishal Krishna, the grandson of the legendary Sitara Devi, conveyed the flavour of the Benaras gharana.
Shruthi Vidhyashankar’s varnam ‘Samiyai Vara Cholladi’ was impressive
It was a combination of rhythmic movements and interpretative expressions
A dance production based on the rhythm of life
‘Thakita Thath Jham’ celebrated sounds that make up the universe
Young Bharatanatyam artiste Manasa Sriram impresses with her sincere approach
Manasa Sriram performed at Krishna Gana Sabha’s Pongal Dance Festival – 2025.
A Dancer’s Guide to Navigating Your First-Ever Intensive
Summer intensives offer endless opportunities—to fortify your training, to connect with teachers and other dancers, and to prepare for a professional career. But how do you know if you’re ready for your first intensive? And how can you prepare your mind and body for the physical rigor of dancing all day, every day, plus the challenges of living on your own? A successful first-ever summer program experience requires careful planning and thoughtful navigation. Making the Right Choice The first step is to determine the right moment to make the summer program leap. That will vary by student, so consult with […]