The first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre might be hanging up her toe shoes, but she’s still raising the bar

We begin where every ballet dancer’s day begins— at the barre.  In The Barre Project, Blake Works II however, the barre seems more like an energizing launc

Sophie Flack Take a walk me down Fascination Street Podcast, as I get to know Sophie Flack. I was first introduced to Sophie as a result of a conversation with previous guest Yul Vazquez. Sophie is a former member of The Corp De Ballet with The New York City Ballet. After she retired from that, she got a degree from Columbia University, and then wrote a best-selling Young Adult novel called Bunheads, which explores the intricacies and heartaches of the life of a professional ballerina. Sophie has written for multiple magazines and publications about her experiences and has helped shine a light on some of the ways that these dancers are treated. Fairly recently, Sophie started a jewelry company which focuses on pieces that help de-stigmatize mental health and eating disorders. Her company is called MAD FINE, and some of the pieces include 'in the know' references to: Zanex, Klonopin, Prozac, and the abortion pill. She has pieces that align with emotional baggage, and even silly trophies. All of these pieces are designed to bring these issues to light and for the wearer to engage in conversations with like-minded individuals. These pieces are stunning, and unique. My personal favorite is the mixed metals cassette tape! Sophie is very vulnerable in this conversation. She openly discusses her previous battles with anorexia, self-doubt, and thoughts of suicide. Check out her jewelry, read her book, heck, just reach out and tell her you enjoyed her candor.

A Conversation with Igor Stravinsky from The Wisdom Series, 1957

Leigh Donlan reviewed the Sun Feb 9th, 2025, performance at the Koch Theater in New York City Alexei Ratmansky premiered an invigorated Paquita for New York City Ballet – a fresh but fragmented tak…