Welcome back to Dance Rhythm! Are you ready to stay on the beat?
As you dive into this week’s stories, you might notice something a little different. At Dance Rhythm, we’ve always strived to create an inclusive space where every dance style is celebrated, and we’re thrilled to take it a step further by broadening our coverage. From now on, our newsletters and social media will showcase an even wider variety of dance styles, but don’t worry—ballet will still have its special spot every week!
We’re thrilled to share this new chapter with you, and we invite you to follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@dance_rhythm_news) to see all of the other exciting updates we have in store! In the meantime scroll away, you have the whole dance world at your fingertips.

After 38 years of fostering dance talent, the Plano Metropolitan Ballet is launching the National Ballet of Texas, a professional company set to debut in August under the leadership of Director Cindi Lawrence. Known for its original fairy tale ballets, community outreach, and inclusive programs like PMB Pals for children with special needs, the organization continues to make dance accessible and meaningful for all.

Celebrating its 10th season at the Joyce Theater, Cuba’s Malpaso Dance Company showcased a program of four works, including three U.S. premieres, marked by technical precision and live musical accompaniment. While the dancers’ skill and energy shone, the program's stylistic sameness left a longing for the daring creativity implied by the company’s name, "Malpaso," meaning "misstep."

A Yangge folk dance featuring 16 AI-powered humanoid robots, directed by Zhang Yimou and performed at China’s Spring Festival Gala, has captivated international audiences with its seamless blend of cultural tradition and advanced robotics. Produced by Unitree, the robots showcased impressive dexterity, spinning handkerchiefs and executing human-like movements, sparking admiration across social media for China’s rapid technological advancements in AI and robotics.

The National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) will perform at the Berliner Festspiele Theatre in Berlin in September 2025, marking their first international performance as part of Tanztreffen der Jugend. This performance will conclude their 2025 tour, showcasing a new hip-hop influenced work by Guest Artistic Director Boy Blue, known for their groundbreaking hip-hop dance theatre, following a nationwide tour across the UK.

The 2025 Prix de Lausanne, taking place February 2–9 in Switzerland, will feature 85 dancers from 23 countries competing for awards and scholarships, with performances live streamed for free. Among the competitors, 15 dancers will represent the U.S., each showcasing their talent through classical and contemporary variations in hopes of advancing their ballet careers.

India Harville’s new dance intensive, How We Move, aims to create an inclusive space for Disabled, multiply marginalized artists by prioritizing community, agency, and accessibility. Funded by the Mellon Foundation, the program will cover travel, housing, and food costs for participants, offering a $2,000 stipend while fostering a supportive network of artists who shape the experience together.
If You’re Around This Weekend
Catch Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular at Lehman Center on Sunday, February 2, at 4:00 PM, for an electrifying showcase of Hip-Hop and breakdancing featuring world-class breakers, beatboxers, and DJ Grand Wizard Theodore. This high-energy production, led by the legendary Dynamic Rockers, celebrates 30 years of Hip-Hop with jaw-dropping acrobatics, spins, and turntable mastery that will leave audiences in awe.
If You Feel Like Watching
French ballet dancer Victoria Dauberville captivated millions with a daring and poetic performance on the bulbous bow of a ship amidst Antarctica's icy waters, captured in a viral video by her partner, Mathieu Forget. The couple, blending their unique artistic visions, transformed the challenging environment into a breathtaking backdrop, showcasing the harmony of movement, nature, and storytelling.
If You Feel Like Listening
Jamila Glass, a filmmaker, choreographer, and Artistic Director of L.A. Contemporary Dance Company, has choreographed for major platforms like Netflix and HBO while directing numerous dance films through her production company, The Cutting Room. In this podcast episode, she discusses her journey through dance and film, reflecting on how each medium enhances the other and sharing insights into her creative work and future projects.
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