Dragons by Eun-Me Ahn, which tours the UK in 2025. Film: courtesy Dance Consortium
Issue 12 – February 2025
Alexa: show me the future of dance! The new Dance Gazette offers glimpses of the direction of travel both on stage and in the studio. Our cover story meets some remarkable disabled artists who are seizing opportunities and changing the landscape not simply for other disabled dance makers but for the art form as a whole. Anything that expands the possibilities for movement is exciting.
Do we always recognise a fresh artistic voice? Choreographers and curators discuss how it feels to discover something new – whether it lands like a bolt of lightning or needs time to burrow under our skins. Ernesto Young, winner of the Dancer’s Own prize at The Fonteyn last year, tells us about finding his voice, and what inspires him as a young dance maker.
Alexa: show me the future of dance! The new Dance Gazette offers glimpses of the direction of travel both on stage and in the studio. Our cover story meets some remarkable disabled artists who are seizing opportunities and changing the landscape not simply for other disabled dance makers but for the art form as a whole. Anything that expands the possibilities for movement is exciting.
Do we always recognise a fresh artistic voice? Choreographers and curators discuss how it feels to discover something new – whether it lands like a bolt of lightning or needs time to burrow under our skins. Ernesto Young, winner of the Dancer’s Own prize at The Fonteyn last year, tells us about finding his voice, and what inspires him as a young dance maker.
Things are also changing in the studio. Until recently, the role of intimacy co-ordinator – in theatre, film and ballet – barely existed, yet is increasingly crucial to helping performers feel safe and supported in highly-charged scenes. Many co-ordinators have a movement background – because who better to understand what bodies need?
We also roam across the age range. Talented young dancers at the Bedells Bursary, older gents tempted by dance classes, plus the RAD teachers trying to juggle teaching with family life. And the RAD is changing too – we meet Elizabeth Honer, the first female Chief Executive Officer to lead the Academy.
I hope this issue changes your day for the better – do let me know what you think.
David Jays
Editor
Bodies of work
As disabled dance artists find greater visibility, Emily May meets choreographers who are breaking down barriers for other disabled dancers – and for the dance world as a whole.
Family matters
From nappy changes to juggling childcare: Rosemary Waugh discovers how RAD dance teachers balance professional and family life.
Close encounters
Helping dancers feel safe in sexual or violent scenes is ever more important to ballet companies. Jane Albert explores the crucial role of intimacy coordinators.
Where are the silver foxes?
Silver Swans is one of the RAD’s most popular projects, bringing women over 55 to dance. But why do so few men embrace dance as they grow older? Sanjoy Roy goes in search of the silver foxes.
Shock of the new
What does an encounter with the unexpected feel like for artists or audiences? How do choreographers surprise themselves? David Jays asks daring dance makers about the art of the unknown.
The launchpad
Impressive dance careers have begun at the RAD’s Bedells Bursary. Catja Christensen visits the 2024 Bursary to hear how the competition can propel a young dancer.
High kicks
Leigh Bowery was a clubland legend and a fashion icon. But what did he do for dance? So Mayer explores the work of the artist who cut a fabulous dash both on stage and off.
SHORT READS Issue 12 – February 2025
Elizabeth Honer
The RAD has appointed a new CEO in Elizabeth Honer CB. In her first interview, she tells Dance Gazette about the paths that led her to the RAD – and the joy of being a Silver Swan!
Read more
A story of success
Artistic Director Alexander Campbell begins his new Dance Gazette series by asking: what does the RAD actually do?
Read more
Pia Sutaria
In Mumbai, an inspirational performer and RAD teacher is broadening access to ballet.
Read more
Barak Marshall
‘Don’t dance’? Bold advice from the American-Israeli choreographer.
Read more
Class of 2024
Sir Wayne McGregor was the guest speaker at the RAD’s graduation ceremony.
Read more
John Macfarlane
John Macfarlane has designed many classic ballets. But what music means most to him?
Read more
Kenneth MacMillan archive
The RAD has received Kenneth MacMillan’s archive, giving insight into a pioneer of 20th- century ballet.
Read more
MORE ISSUES
BRAND NEW DANCE
Issue 11 – October 2024
Creating dance for The Fonteyn. Plus: dance parents, ballet heritage, dancing in prison – and where are the Muslim ballet students?
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL
Issue 10 – June 2024
From the Royal Ballet to the RAD: meet new Artistic Director Alexander Campbell. Plus: catwalk models, breakers and changing language in dance class.
HEAR THE DANCE
Issue 9 – February 2024
A special music-themed issue: hip-hop, problematic classics, music for old and young students, plus the first ever Dance Gazette Top 40.
TAKING THE STAGE
Issue 8 – October 2023
Go behind the scenes of The Fonteyn and enjoy our audio report from the final. Plus: strikes, cinema stunt action and saying goodbye to dance class.
HOLDING ON
Issue 7 – June 2023
How can we protect dancers’ wellbeing and mental health? What connects dance folk from different countries, styles or generations? Dance Gazette stories to remind you that you’re not alone.
BARYSHNIKOV
Issue 6 – February 2023
We pay tribute to Mikhail Baryshnikov as he receives the RAD’s highest honour: one of the 20th century’s defining dancers who continues to explore 21st-century performance.
WHEN CÉLINE MET STEVEN
Issue 5 – October 2022
The RAD has been a thread through the dancing lives of principal dancers Céline Gittens and Steven McRae. Now both RAD Ambassadors, they share hopes and experiences.
HOME
Issue 4 – June 2022
Celebrating the official opening of the RAD’s new London home, we mark this landmark by asking: what makes dance feel like home?
CLASSIC CARLOS
Issue 3 – February 2022
Few dancers delight a theatre audience like Carlos Acosta. The Cuban star is a classical artist and an undoubted charismatic – and although nudging 50, he continues to test himself and to give a frisson to challenging new work.
FACE ON
Issue 2 – October 2021
An issue all about the face we present to the world. Discover portraits, old masters, puppets, an RAD founder and the surprising history of ballet make-up.
FRESH START
Issue 1 – June 2021
The very first fully digital issue of Dance Gazette is all about embracing change. We explore impactful change: on stage, in sustainability, for young dancers entering the profession. Plus, breakdance!