Bay Area Reporter :: Dance News

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Chalvar Monteiro on living dance history

March 26, 2024 | by Jim Provenzano

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley for its 55th annual residency, and dancer Chalvar Monteiro shared his experiences in performing and teaching new and repertory works.

Kayla Farrish's 'Put Away the Fire, dear' reclaims Black cinematic depiction

by Cornelius Washington
Feb 27, 2024

In San Francisco, the city often used as a setting in film noir, a new reinterpretation of Black people in cinema will be explored in Kayla Farrish's "Put Away the Fire, dear," an evening-length work at ODC Theater March 8-10.

Pina Bausch's 'The Rite of Spring' reborn

by Philip Mayard
Feb 6, 2024

The riotous premiere of "The Rite of Spring" in 1913 Paris is something of a legend. An iconic interpreter of this seminal music was German choreographer Pina Bausch. Her stunning dance's new production tour includes UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall.

An homage to Chita Rivera, the musical theater star

by J.A. Valentine
Feb 6, 2024

The passing of Chita Rivera on January 30 at age 91 will be deeply felt by many. Here, a devoted fan, and a performer himself, shares highlights of the musical theater star's epic career.

Trock & roll: Primo ballerino Robert Carter on his unique career

by Jim Provenzano
Jan 23, 2024

Robert Carter may play a dying swan with Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo, but he's more of a unicorn in real life. As the longest performing member in the company, he's also one of very few men, and a Black gay man, who performs ballet on pointe.

'mouf//full' — OYSTERKNIFE's spiritual exploration at Grace Cathedral

by Cornelius Washington
Jan 23, 2024

The Bay Area's hottest live performance from the Black queer community for African-American History Month is Oysterknife's "mouf//full," February 2-4 at the venerable Grace Cathedral. The series blends song, dance and visual design in a three-day event.

Joey Vice: dancer-acrobat's the new sly Trickster in Cirque du Soleil's 'Kooza'

by Jim Gladstone
Jan 2, 2024

Cirque du Soleil's "Kooza," opening Jan. 17, features two characters: The Innocent, a naïve young man, and The Trickster, a magical mentor who escorts him on a journey of discovery. Dancer-acrobat Joey Vice shares his experience as the new Trickster.

Holiday happenings: music, dance and camp fun for your Yule

by Philip Mayard
Nov 28, 2023

From classical music and dance, to campy classics featuring your favorite drag performers, there's something on stages across the Bay Area to bring joy and inspiration to your holiday season.

Gay Pride on Pride Rock — 'The Lion King' cast member & manager share tales from the road

by Jim Gladstone
Nov 21, 2023

"Sometimes you get surprised," said Eric Bean of the 50-odd cities he's visited as one of the 134 members of "The Lion King" touring company that opens at the Orpheum Theatre this week. "In Tulsa, Oklahoma, there are four different drag brunches!"

Show and 'Tell' — dancing towards racial healing

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Oct 31, 2023

"Tell," a new interactive dance piece, will, according to creators and choreographers Sarah Crowell and Keith Hennessy, begin a dialogue geared towards racial healing. The shows have been postponed to Dec. 8-10.

Museums, music & more: Besties arts: a winning year in local culture for 2023

by Jim Gladstone
Oct 24, 2023

From music to dance and theater, our readers have shared their favorites in the Besties once again. Here's what they have to say this go-round in the performing arts.

Jeremy Geffen on Cal Performances' vibrant programs

by Philip Mayard
Sep 26, 2023

As Executive and Artistic Director at Cal Performances since 2019, Jeremy Geffen brings over two decades of experience to the Bay Area's foremost performing arts presenting organization. He shared his arts background and some enticing upcoming programs.

B.A.R.'s Bestie balloting begins

by Cynthia Laird
Sep 25, 2023

It's time for Bay Area Reporter readers to cast their ballots for the LGBTQ newspaper's annual Best of the Bay contest.

'The Lost Art of Dreaming' - Sean Dorsey and company dance their way into Z Space

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Sep 19, 2023

Following a world tour, and an Emmy win, Sean Dorsey Dance returns to San Francisco for a second season of performances of "The Lost Art of Dreaming" at Z Space.

Going Out, August 31-Sept. 8, 2023

by Jim Provenzano
Aug 31, 2023

If our Fall Arts Preview features aren't providing enough arts options to amuse, then check out our expansive online listings, also with nightlife fun; this week and every week.

Arts & Culture :: Dance