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Top 20 Articles of Year 2024

by Kalila Kingsford Smith

This year, twenty-six writers contributed to our thINKingDANCE publication. We write about what artists do with respect for the labor and intentions that go into the making of art. We come from the communities we write about, and artists and readers have let us know this increases our trustworthiness as critics. Below, I have selected twenty articles published by various writers in 2024; our most-read, pieces you may have missed, and articles highlighting important issues in dance. Enjoy this list as you ring in the new year!

Top 14 Performance Reviews for 2024

"My Story Begins Very Simply" | a career's worth of dancing | Madeline Shuron

A meditative start to Temple’s 50th anniversary of the dance department.

Reimagining Brecht and Being a ‘Good Person’ in 21st Century Capitalism | Walter Bilderback

Wilma’s Hothouse company blooms in a messy, loud and outstanding production.

Two tD Writers + Two Fringe Shows -- A Reflective Conversation | Jonathan Stein and Shayla-Vie Jenkins

Dance and theater from artists/daughters address their mothers’ dementia.

Can you hold me? | nikolai mckenzie ben rema

Deep in the cave of the heart are all the stars in the sky.

Animal and Gender Fluidity in Headlong’s ‘Horse Woman’ at the Barnes | Jonathan Stein

Insights into Laurencin's beguiling enchantments and sensuous visions.

A Midsummer Night’s Fantasy: BalletX’s Summer Series 2024 | Ziying Cui

Innovative choreography puts classical ballet vocabulary in conversation with diverse contemporary ethos.

Casual Crackles: A Write Back Atcha | Megan Mizanty

A booming romp through your best friend’s playlist. Write Back Atcha is a tD event where we crowdsource reviews from audience members! Check out our others from 2024.

Philadelphia Youth Companies Shine at Peridance Spring Showcase | Rachel DeForrest Repinz

Youth companies demonstrate high-level artistry and technical rigor at Peridance in NYC.

It's So Much Easier If You Dance a Little Bit | Ella-Gabriel Mason

Raja Feather Kelly and Yoland Wisher show us how to get free.

ding! | desire amaiya

we create a score through digital communication.

A Housewarming in a Magic Garden with Biscuits and Hibiscus | Caitlin Green

The space left room for us to take our time there, ease in, and stay awhile.

The Mutability of Outdoor Performance: Driscoll's Oceanic Feeling | Brendan McCall

Site-specific performance along the liminal edge.

4 | 2 | 3: An Unsolved Riddle | Charly Santagado

Three generations of dancers touch the void.

I’m an Artist, but I’m Fun! | Miryam Coppersmith

Adam brings his creative force to bear on his own experiences in Dead Muse.

Top 6 thINK Pieces from 2024

Modern Dance, Zionism, and a Free Palestine | Lu Donovan

If Israel is so supportive of American dance institutions, more so than even our own government, why would it be questioned?

The ABT Strike and the Fight for Fair Wages for Dancers | Rachel DeForrest Repinz

What happens when our dancers can no longer afford to live?

Out of Range | Jennifer Passios

Bigger isn’t always better: proximity and access to dance in Texas. Read part 2 and part 3.

“Border Crossings” Reveals Historic Erasures in American Modern Dance | Emilee Lord in conversation with Jonathan Stein

A revision of modern dance history centering artists marginalized and excluded.

On Aging and Mentorship: Being Held in the Dark Spaces | Megan Mizanty

An article series sharing stories and practices of mentorship.

Questions for the Disruption of Harm - an interview with Whistle | Emilee Lord

Discussing an online toolkit for addressing harm and workplace abuse.



By Kalila Kingsford Smith
December 30, 2024

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