Dance Talks: Recent Episodes
Cynthia Dragoni
Welcome to the Dance Lens podcast, where we take a deep dive into all things dance.
Karen Valby in her latest book "The Swans of Harlem", sheds light on the founding and early dancers of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, capturing an intimate and almost lost history of artists, women, mothers, and the company itself, founded by the late great Arthur Mitchell.
Valby shares the emotional journey of writing the book, the vulnerability of the women who returned to spaces that had once harmed them, and the healing power of reclaiming their history. The discussion touches on the challenges these dancers faced, the complexities of their relationships with their art form and their director, and the broader implications for the dance industry today.
Tune in to hear about the inspiring stories of these pioneering ballerinas and the enduring legacy of the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Welcome to the Dance Lens podcast, hosted by Cynthia Dragoni. In this first episode of our ballet story series, we delve into the enchanting world of "The Firebird," a ballet that has left an indelible mark on both dance and music. Originally staged by Diaghilev and the famed Ballets Russes Company, "The Firebird" intertwined Russian fairy tales with groundbreaking musical innovation.
Join us as we recount the mesmerizing tale of Prince Ivan, the magical Firebird, and the evil magician Katschei. Discover how this ballet not only revolutionized the world of dance but also had a surprising influence on jazz music. Learn about the pivotal role of Stravinsky’s score and how it catapulted him to international fame, leading to further revolutionary works like "The Rite of Spring."
Explore the collaborations between Stravinsky and choreographer George Balanchine, which helped shape the future of ballet in the United States. Understand the profound impact of their partnership on modern and neoclassical ballet, and the ripple effect it had on ballet companies across the country and the world.
Whether you are a dance aficionado or a curious listener, this episode offers a deep dive into the history and significance of "The Firebird," a ballet that ignited a revolution in the arts.
Thank you for listening to the Dance Lens podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and follow Cynthia Dragoni on TikTok and YouTube, or sign up for the email list at https://cynthiadragoni.dance/
Join the conversation as Madeline Woo, Principal dancer with Royal Swedish Ballet and your host Cynthia Dragoni. We'll discuss Madeline's professional life, her struggles with seasonal depression and her personal accounts of career highs and lows, including the details of her recent salary negotiation.
Hear about the stark contrasts between the American and European dance education models. In particular, we'll shed light on how economic factors shape the studying and performance of ballet.
She recounts her favorite roles, future aspirations and the transformative experiences of working with legendary choreographers. Finally, listen to her valuable advice for young dancers looking to carve a career in professional dance.
If you like this and want more great dance content don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and signup for the email list HERE to get dance podcasts, stories, news and info about our Live Dance Talks where we take interactive deep dives into dancers, choreographers and ballets in real time.
In conversation with principal dancer Claudia Hilda. She is a Cuban dance artist, choreographer and director. We’ll talk about her journey and the influence of Cuban politics on dance and dancers.
Today the National Ballet of Cuba, in it’s 75th year is one of the best ballet institutions in the world, developing and occasionally exporting some of the top dancers in the world including Fernando Bujones and of course the revered Carlos Acosta.
What about contemporary dance in Cuba?
There is also a national contemporary dance school and company founded around the same time as National Ballet of Cuba in 1959. Similar to traditional big state ballet schools, it integrates academics into the studies and the students come out with full degrees. The dance training is a mix of contemporary, classical ballet, modern and folk styles.
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We may think of artists and their work as inherently needing total freedom in order to thrive, but this isn’t always the case especially when it comes to ballet. Similarly to how ballet undeniably flourished in many respects under the communist Soviet Union, Cuba produced (and still produces) some of the best ballet and ballet dancers in the world after the Cuban Revolution, and with the full support of Castro and the communist party.
Why does ballet get so much support from these so called oppressive regimes?
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It's the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic! In this interview with the US's only Turkish ballerina we'll hear how Ballet San Antonio soloist Buse Babadag went from Istanbul to Texas, her challenges and opinions and a little bit about her coffee company Buse and Rosé.
This is a part of our artists in diaspora series where we’ll hear about the life and work of an artist living outside their homeland, some have left for artistic reasons, some for political and others it was simply where the wind blew them. We’ll also learn about the dance scene in their native country and the historical and political context in which it developed.
The episode previous to this one has historical background on the development of ballet in Turkey.
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What does ballet have to do with the development and reputation of the Turkish Republic?
This is a part of our artists in diaspora series where we’ll hear about the life and work of an artist living outside their homeland, some have left for artistic reasons, some for political and others it was simply where the wind blew them. We’ll also learn about the dance scene in their native country and the historical and political context in which it developed.
Ballet and the arts in general have been used for centuries as a way to communicate to the public the power, sophistication and ideals of whoever is in power, be it a pope, a prince, a queen, a ruling party or a nation. Many great works of art have come out of this relationship between those holding power and the artist, a famous example is of course Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel commissioned by the church.
This was also a part of the story when the Turkish Republic was formed 100 years ago, in 1923. Following the end of WW1 the remaining parts of the empire had been given to Greece, France, Italy and Britain and it became occupied territory.
This occupation prompted the formation of the Turkish Liberation Movement.
When Atatürk, a leader of the movement united the country he was quoted as saying: “The basis of Turkish Republic is culture”. Come with us to hear what happened next and where ballet is in Turkey today.
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Let's go backstage with up and coming Philadelphia Ballet soloist Pau Pujol.
Pau is one of the up and coming talents of this generation and and he talks about his experiences as a dancer in Spain vs the US, the psychological perils of ballet life, where the dance world is headed and more! Join us as we draw back the curtains on the lives of the artists in dance.
Want to know more about Pau? You can follow him Youtube/Tiktok and Instagram linked below:
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There's a new documentary on the uplifting story of Nigeria's Leap of Dance Academy and a new ballet created for the deaf by Roanoke Ballet Theatre principal Will Smith.
Leap of Dance's founder was totally self taught off of Youtube and he started a school in his yard to give other's the chances that he missed.
Dance is for everyone! This is the kind of work we need to see more of!
This episode explores the intersection of ballet and history during the Russian and Iranian Revolutions.
Join us as we delve into the impact of these revolutions on the world of ballet and how they forever changed the art form.
From the Ballets Russes to the Iranian National Ballet Company, we'll explore the ways in which politics and art intersected.
Whether you're a ballet enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the fascinating connections between art and politics, this episode has something for you. Join us as we explore the rich history of ballet and its connection to the world-changing events of the early 20th century.
We'll sit down with director, choreographer and teacher Lily Balogh. Born to Hungarian immigrant in Queens NY, Lily joined NYC Ballet while she was still a student at School of American Ballet on the eve of massive company budget cuts. After leaving the company she danced in Canada and Europe before undergoing surgeries and pivoting from being a dancer to a creator, founder and director. She has inspired countless dancers and even created dance programs in places where dance was once considered a sin.
Join us for a story of deep talent, resilience and perseverance.
The Paris Opera Ballet, the oldest national ballet company in the world has just promoted its first black artist to the rank of étoile! Guillaume Diop is the first black star of one of the world’s top ballet companies.
Andrea Long, accomplished ballerina & master teacher, formerly of NYC Ballet & Dance Theater of Harlem reflects on her career path and diversity in the dance world then and now.
From Tap and Hip Hop classes to the Paris Opera Ballet: One dancer’s path to becoming a professional choreographer.