Jason Samuels News

Black Dance Stories continues during the month of October featuring dancers and choreographers who use their work to raise societal issues, strengthen community through their programming, and use history as a source of inspiration.

RTG Features, the newly established sister studio to basketball media leader SLAM, has announced that it is co-financing and co-producing an upcoming documentary on legendary basketball coach John Thompson and his Georgetown University program as one of the first projects from the company.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today three new Civic Practice Partnership Artists in Residence: Jon Gray, of the artistic and culinary collective Ghetto Gastro in the Bronx; Mei Lum, of the W.O.W. Project, a community-organizing and arts space in Manhattan's Chinatown; and musician and composer Toshi Reagon, of Crown Heights.

Black Dance Stories announces its September 2020 lineup featuring dancers and choreographers who use their work to raise societal issues, strengthen community through their programming, and use history as a source of inspiration.

Jacob's Pillow, home to the longest-running dance festival in the United States, launches a Virtual Festival with eight weeks of free programming, July 7-August 29.

The Joyce Theater Foundation announced today new programming for its Bring Dance Home collection of curated digital performances, interviews, podcasts, film, and classes aimed at bringing dance-loving audiences together from the comfort and safety of their own home.

Serving as a bridge between tradition and innovation, history and progress - Indian Kathak and American Jazz Tap dance - continents and ages apart share parallel stories of struggle and perseverance in SPEAK.

Today, RTG Features and 1091 Media in partnership with SLAM, releases the official trailer and key art for the upcoming debut of A Kid From Coney Island - a soulful documentary based on the life of former NBA player, Stephon Marbury. The documentary is helmed by Executive Producers Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman. Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, the producers of 2013's box office smash Fruitvale Station, are attached as producers as well as Jason Samuels. A Kid From Coney Island was directed by Chike Ozah and Coodie Simmons, responsible for creative visuals for artists such as Kayne West, Christina Aguuilera, Erykah Badu, Pitbull and more.

When ON BROADWAY opens at The Barn Theatre in Florida this New Year's weekend, Stuart's 49-year-old theatre will warmly welcome a world-renowned dancing upstart from 'Chi-Town,' maverick Michelle Spreadbury.

Just in time for the holidays, The Joyce Theater Foundation (Linda Shelton, Executive Director) welcomes the return of the always-thrilling Dorrance Dance for three weeks of merriment and cheer. With a festive world premiere capping off each evening of three mixed-bill programs, Michelle Dorrance and her collaborators will play The Joyce Theater from December 17-January 5. Tickets, ranging in price from $10-$105, can be purchased at www.Joyce.org, or by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800. Please note: ticket prices are subject to change. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at West 19th Street. For more information, please visit www.Joyce.org.

The Joyce Theater Foundation (Linda Shelton, Executive Director) brings together three tap superstars and a special guest for a celebration of tap dance in And Still You Must Swing. Honoring the heart and legacy of the art form, the dynamic evening of dance featuring Dormeshia, Derick K. Grant, Jason Samuels Smith, and Camille A. Brown will play The Joyce Theater from December 3-8. Tickets, ranging in price from $10-$65, can be purchased at www.Joyce.org, or by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800. Please note: ticket prices are subject to change. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at West 19th Street. For more information, please visit www.Joyce.org.

Gallim makes its Ted Shawn Theatre debut with a Pillow co-commissioned world premiere, August 7-11. Under the direction of perpetually groundbreaking artist Andrea Miller, Brooklyn-based Gallim embodies human connection through bold, raw, transformative works. As New York Magazine attests, a?oeher viscerally physical movement wrings every inch of life from her dancersa?"and you'll be holding your breath, too.a??

 Linda Shelton, Executive Director of The Joyce Theater Foundation, announced today the New York City dance organization's programming for its Fall '19 Winter '20 season, the first in collaboration with The Joyce's new Director of Programming, Aaron Mattocks. With dance styles from contemporary and modern to street and social, and traditional movement from Argentina, India, Spain, Samoa, and beyond, The Joyce continues to lead the way in international dance presentations while nurturing and supporting artists from all disciplines at every stage of their careers. The New York City organization, one of the world's largest presenters of dance, is especially excited to announce that live music will be featured during each and every engagement from the start of the season through the end of 2019. Fall '19/Winter '20 at The Joyce will be a true celebration of diversity in dance with programs and styles that encompass the wide range of aesthetic interests of both its artists and audiences.

The 15th annual Tap & Tapas will take place on Monday, April 1st from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include a walk around tasting of New York's top chefs and restaurants. The night will also include special performances by Groove With Me dancers and award-winning dancer and choreographer Jason Samuels Smith. Groove With Me is thrilled to honor Lauren Lovette, Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet. Tickets start at $200. The event is located at SECOND at 849 6th Ave at 29th St.

The 15th annual Tap & Tapas will take place on Monday, April 1st from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include a walk around tasting of New York's top chefs and restaurants. The night will also include special performances by Groove With Me dancers and award-winning dancer and choreographer Jason Samuels Smith. Groove With Me is thrilled to honor Lauren Lovette, Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet. Tickets start at $200. The event is located at SECOND at 849 6th Ave at 29th St.

The 2019 Tribeca Film Festival, presented by AT&T, today unveiled its feature film lineup. Continuing its tradition of elevating exceptional storytelling rooted in today's global film communities, the 18th annual Festival will showcase debut works from emerging talent and new works from notable filmmakers. The program includes discoveries, comedies, music-centered, political and social films. The 2019 Tribeca Film Festival takes place April 24 - May 5.  

JoJo Smith, known as 'The King of New York' for his extensive contributions to Broadway and the dance industry, has died. He was 80.

On December 7 and 8 at 7:30 PM, the legendary Fresh Tracks Performance and Residency Program at New York Live Arts will showcase the work of their five selected emerging choreographers: Emma Rose Brown, J. Bouey, Liana Conyers, Collin Ranf, and Dolores (Lola) Sanchez. As part of its annual programming, Fresh Tracks has been a 54-year commitment to bringing new voices to the forefront. The program offers a unique vantage point for the artists who are provided an unparalleled opportunity for professional development, experience, and recognition. Fresh Tracks performances take place at New York Live Arts Theatre, located at 219 West 19th Street, NYC. Tickets start at $15 and may be purchased at 212 924 0077 or online at newyorklivearts.org

On December 7 and 8 at 7:30 PM, the legendary Fresh Tracks Performance and Residency Program at New York Live Arts will showcase the work of their five selected emerging choreographers: Emma Rose Brown, J. Bouey, Liana Conyers, Collin Ranf, and Dolores (Lola) Sanchez.

Jersey Tap Fest, New Jersey's sole dance festival featuring world-class tap faculty and extravaganza will conclude with TAP 'N TIME, the main stage event featuring internationally acclaimed tap dance artists, regional tap companies, and other special performers.