As a dancer in 2018, YouTube — and the internet in general — is one of your greatest resources. Research a show before you go in for the audition, check out an interview from a well-known choreographer about what they look for when casting dancers, and subscribe to channels that focus on how-to and advice videos. There’s no excuse for feeling unprepared or uninformed. Every resource you can imagine is literally right at your fingertips! Dance Informa has curated a short list of awesome dance YouTube channels you should be following.
Check out former Royal Ballet dancer Claudia Dean’s YouTube channel
From pointe shoe hacks to flexibility and extension tips, Claudia Dean provides informative, entertaining content to take your dancing to the next level. Dean, a former professional ballet dancer with The Royal Ballet, offers detailed educational video content for beginners through aspiring professionals.
#2. Nel Shelby
Nel Shelby is a movement videographer with incredible content on her YouTube channel. Her company films some of the world’s greatest dancers and dance troupes such as Pilobolus, Tonya Tayeh, Limon Dance, Isabella Boylston, Camille A. Brown, Ballet HIspanico, BalletX and Michelle Dorrance.
#3. BroadwayBox.com
Our favorite series on this channel is called “Dancing Through my Resume”. Big-time Broadway dancers (the kind who seem to hop from one show directly to the next) literally talk their way through their resume as they perform choreography from each show. It’s a great way to get to know some of the best dancers on the Great White Way while also checking out how they can adapt to the movement style of many different choreographers.
#4. The Rockettes
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a Radio City Rockette, definitely subscribe to this YouTube channel. The content gives you a behind-the-scenes look into their summer intensive, annual auditions, rehearsals and life on the Great Stage. Hearing individual stories from dancers makes the sought-after job feel within reach — because it was once a dream of each of those girls in that kick line. And you can make that dream a reality, too!
#5. Dancers over 40
Even if you’re well under 40, you should check out this non-profit organization’s YouTube channel. Dancers over 40 honors the lives and legacies of dancers, and the informational content (dance videos as well as interviews, panel discussions and montages) on its channel is an incredible resource. To start, we’d recommend checking out their playlists on Jack Cole, Gwen Verdon, Michael Kidd and Phil Black.
Check out Kyle Hanagami’s choreography to DJ SNAKE – Taki Taki.
#6. Kyle Hanagami
Hanagami’s choreography is that magical formula that makes audiences love to watch it just as much as dancers love to perform it. His movement style is fun, joyful, casual and rhythmic. It’s no wonder why he has over three million YouTube subscribers. Watching videos on Hanagami’s channel will either have you searching the web to find his master class schedule or sitting at your computer for hours binge-watching all of his incredible in-studio and on-screen videos.
#7. DanceOn
If you’re going to subscribe to just one channel, make it DanceOn. This channel — with over two million followers — includes videos from all of your favorite choreographers and ones whom you maybe haven’t heard of yet (but should check out!). DanceOn separates its remarkable canon of videos into playlists divided into specific choreographers, television shows, styles and contests, so you can filter and find exactly what you’re in the mood for.
#8. Yanis Marshall
Marshall made his mark on Britain’s Got Talent with his fierce heels choreography in an all-male trio. His classes train dancers to rock sky high heels with confidence and sass. Now, heels classes are making their way into dance studios all across the world.
This channel is geared toward dancers returning to, continuing or starting ballet as adults. The growing channel features barre and center floor combinations that dancers can work on at home, alignment and strengthening exercises, and personal experience videos.
#10. Kathryn Morgan
Katie Morgan is a former soloist with New York City Ballet. She now runs her own YouTube channel with ballet-focused content for aspiring dancers. Some of her videos focus on advice for mastering fouetté turns, increasing flexibility and learning combinations quickly, while others provide honest, helpful how-to’s like “Pointe shoes 101”, “Dealing with your period as a dancer” and “Basic stage makeup”.
Did we miss some of your favorite dance YouTube channels? Be sure to share them with us in the comments section below so we can subscribe, too!
By Mary Callahan of Dance Informa.
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