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.
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.
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.
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.
