Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'dancer'

Award-Winning Entertainer Eartha Kitts Dies At 81

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:00:00 EST

Self-proclaimed "sex kitten" Eartha Kitt, a sultry singer, dancer and actress has died. She was 81. Her career spanned six decades which includes starring on film next to Nat King Cole, to playing Catwoman on TV's Batman. Kitt won two Emmys. She also was nominated for several Tonys and two Grammys.

Singer And Actress Eartha Kitt Dies

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST

Singer and actress Eartha Kitt has died of colon cancer. She was 81. Kitt, who was ostracized as a child in South Carolina because of her mixed-race heritage, got her start in show business as a dancer and vocalist, and earned early international notice as a featured singer in a Paris nightclub.

Tap Dancing: A Love Story Reprised

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:35:00 EST

"Shoot Me While I'm Happy" is an account of falling in love with tap dancing written by Jane Goldberg, who studied and performed alongside some of the greatest tap dancers of the past 50 years.

Black Iraqis In Basra Face Racism

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:16:00 EST

Iraqis of African descent in the southern port city of Basra say they're still discriminated against because of the color of their skin. Long relegated to menial jobs or work as musicians and dancers, some have recently formed a group to advance their civil rights.

Prince Of Kunqu: Jazz Meets Chinese Opera

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:11:00 EST

Jeffrey Zhang is known for mixing the traditional Chinese opera form with pop music and kabuki dancers. But now he's begun to incorporate free-form jazz piano in a culture clash that's turning heads and winning over new fans.

In New York, An Unusual Dance Performance

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:32:00 EDT

In New York this week, two unlikely groups came together: war veterans and modern dancers. Dancers kicked, twisted and jumped on and around retired airplanes from the 1930s and 1940s in a hangar at Floyd Bennett Field.

Ballet's 'Flying Cuban' Looks Toward 'Home'

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Ballet dancer Carlos Acosta is known for powerful leaps that make him seem to fly. Those leaps have earned him comparisons with Nureyev and Baryshnikov. He grew up in a poor neighborhood outside Havana. How that boy became a man who dances with grace and power is the subject of Acosta's memoir, No Way Home.

Dancer, Artist Enlivens Death Valley Junction

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:51:00 EDT

In 1967 a flat tire led dancer and artist Marta Becket to Death Valley, an opera house — and her life's work. Today, she no longer dances, but she continues to attract an audience.

'Alvin Ailey' Celebrates 50 Years of Magic

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:24:00 EDT

The world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Legendary dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison, the artistic director of the theater, is leading the celebration. Jamison talks about her love for dance, retirement and keeping the vision of her late mentor alive.

Cyd Charisse, Actress and Dancer, Dies at 87

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:13:00 EDT

She dazzled audiences opposite Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Her career spanned seven decades, and she worked in many a nonmusical drama. But as Astaire said: "When you've danced with her, you stay danced with."

Ella Fitzgerald: The First Lady of Song

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:44:00 EDT

Ella Fitzgerald is one of the most recognized voices in jazz history. As a teen, her dream was to be a dancer, but fate had different plans for her. "Lady Ella" sang a three-octave range, was noted for her pure tone, and is widely considered one of the finest Great American Songbook interpreters.

Legendary Dancer Reveals Love for Pavarotti

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Director, actress and dancer Debbie Allen explains her passion for the music of Luciano Pavarotti.

Debbie Allen on Joy, Pain of Show Business

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:26:00 EST

Legendary actress, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen is directing the new Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams' play, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof. Allen talks about the challenge of adapting this classic American story for an African-American cast, and about the cultural challenges of show business.

For Iraqi Refugees, Art May Be Avenue to New Life

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:25:00 EST

The Iraqi refugee community in Damascus, Syria, is a haven for young artists: filmmakers, painters, dancers. For dancer Muhanad Rasheed, talent is one way out: An invitation to Europe is an opportunity to perform and, hopefully, find a new life.

Choreographers to Watch in the New Year

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

A handful of taste-makers in the competitive dance world have nominated exceptional dancers and choreographers -- from ballet, to modern, to hip-hop -- who they believe will emerge from the crowd in 2008.

MC Hammer Moves to Tap Online Dance Craze

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:01:00 EST

MC Hammer, the former poofy-panted rapper, is launching a new Web site that will focus on dance videos. DanceJam arrives as many dancers, from flamenco artists to breakdancers, use the Internet to teach and promote their art.

'Thriller' Sparks Global Dance Fest

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 06:00:00 EDT

Michael Jackson's Thriller has inspired dancing zombies ever since its release 25 years ago. One dancer pays homage by hosting a Thriller dance fest. Zombies from Ireland to China took part setting a record for the largest simultaneous Thriller dance.

Behind the Scenes with 'Dancing with the Stars'

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:11:00 EDT

Long after reality shows seemingly hit their peak, Dancing with the Stars captivated millions of viewers, as celebrities transformed into ballroom dancers. Scott Simon went to New York to get some tango lessons from the show's contestants.

Simone White: Sincere and Captivating

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:52:00 EDT

White's grandma was a showgirl, her aunt was a songwriter in the '50s, her mother was a belly dancer, and her dad was an artist, so she's inherited pretty good genes. White combines blues and folk music, creating a calm atmosphere with honest, heartfelt lyrics.

Hundreds of Channels, but Where's the Artsy Stuff...

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:00:00 EDT

Years ago, both Bravo and A&E served up opera, ballet and more fine-arts programming. But the divas and dancers have long since ceded airtime to reality shows and Law and Order reruns. So what makes the new owners of Ovation TV think they can make a go of an arts-focused cable channel?

New TV Show Inspires Dance

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 06:00:00 EDT

The Fox TV show So You Think You Can Dance is probing for the next master dancer. Styles range from ballroom to hip hop. A spin-off of wildly popular television talent show American Idol, the reality series is a huge hit with millions of viewers voting every week.

Lacrosse Case a Learning Tool for Lawyers

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:21:00 EDT

Lawyers in North Carolina are trying to learn some lessons from the botched prosecution of three Duke lacrosse players who were falsely accused of sexually assaulting an exotic dancer.

Duke Lacrosse Players Cleared of Kidnapping, Assault Charges

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 06:00:00 EDT

North Carolina's attorney general has dropped all charges against three former members of Duke University's lacrosse team. The players were accused of kidnapping, raping and assaulting an exotic dancer who performed at a team party. The rape charges were dropped in January, while the kidnapping and sexual assault charges were dropped on Wednesday. Adam Hochberg reports.

To Thine Own Self Be True

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:25:00 EDT

On his deathbed, Judith Jamison's father told her to "be good." The acclaimed dancer and choreographer believes upholding her father's dying wish means she must be open, honest and true to herself.

World Showcase from Disney Concert Hall

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 10:44:00 EST

Three continents find voice in this showcase of sounds from Disney Concert Hall. The diverse show includes a women's group of Bulgarian folk singers, a Balinese gamelan ensemble and, from Africa, Les Ballets Africains, a troupe of drummers, singers and dancers.