ArtsPerforming Arts

Why Dance Matters

Royal Academy of Dance

Why Dance Matters is a series of conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. It traces the impact of dance on their lives and asks why dance matters to them – and why it might matter to us all. The RAD inspires the world to dance, and we hope these insightful personal conversations – hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, the RAD magazine – will delight and even surprise you. Find out more on our website > https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/

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S12 · E2
Wednesday · 47 min
Jack Murphy: Bridgerton’s dancing master
Jack Murphy is the acclaimed choreographer and movement director of Bridgerton. Initially an actor, he became a movement director (training in part at the RAD), helping actors find a physicality to connect them with their characters. Jack was involved in the BBC’s iconic 1995 Pride and Prejudice: in a full-circle moment, he’s worked on Netflix’s new version, starring Emma Corrin. But his work is seen at its most captivating in Bridgerton, which shakes up the rules of period drama and puts dance at its centre. His dance is rooted in why people dance, who they truly are. Pride and Prejudice launches on Netflix later in 2026, and season five of Bridgerton in 2027. Jack’s website is https://jackmurphymovement.co.uk/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S12 · E1
September 2 · 49 min
Christopher Wheeldon: ballet meets Broadway
Christopher Wheeldon is a very special guest for the 100th episode of Why Dance Matters. He’s a ballet great – creator of marvels like After the Rain and Tryst, and full length enchantments like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Winter’s Tale. He’s big on Broadway and in the West End, with shows like An American in Paris and MJ the Musical. He’s also president of Benesh International, dedicated to the notation which keeps dance alive, and has just received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, the RAD’s highest honour. And he is the 100th brilliant person to answer the question: why does dance matter? Christopher Wheeldon: https://christopherwheeldon.com/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E22
August 19 · 39 min
Amanda Teo: ballet meets world
The RAD has an impressive global reach – in over 80 countries across the world, thousands of teachers are progressing even more thousands of students the curves and lines that make up classical ballet technique. And looking after all those teachers are a wonderful flock of RAD National Directors, including our guest Amanda Teo, RAD National Director in Singapore. Amanda trained in RAD ballet before working behind the scenes at Singapore Ballet and then coming to the RAD as National Director. She has never lost her passion for what dance can do, the way it inspires, elevates and can create community. Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E21
August 5 · 47 min
Alicia Graf Mack: holding history in her hand
Alicia Graf Mack is only the fourth ever director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It’s a company with a huge significance for dance history – and especially for Black America. Alicia danced with them from 2005-14, and was mentored by Ailey’s own star dancer, Judith Jamison. Previously a principal ballerina at Dance Theatre of Harlem, more recently she was Dean & Director of Dance at Juilliard School. Now at Ailey, Alicia must maintain the company’s legacy and nurture new works that connect with today’s audiences. The company is fired by lyrical dance, and also by a commitment to social justice and as a platform for Black artists. We speak to Alicia as the company prepares to visit Sadler’s Wells in London. Ailey at Sadler’s Wells, 15-19 September 2026: https://www.sadlerswells.com/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater-legacy-new-works/ Ailey: ailey.org Alicia Graf Mack’s website: https://www.aliciagrafmack.com/about Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E20
July 22 · 46 min
Serena McCall: style and steam
The wonderful Scottish dancer Serena McCall is currently appearing in Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man. It’s a tale of torrid sex and violence, set in a small US town. Serena herself always looks cucumber cool. She was head girl at her school outside Stirling in Scotland, and her socials showcase her poise and chic. She has also performed in some of the UK’s biggest dance shows, like Kate Prince’s Message in a Bottle and Quadrophenia, based on the Who’s album and movie, as well as the Wicked movies. These projects lean on her ballet technique but mix it up with hip hop, commercial moves and the steamy drama of characters living on the edge. The Car Man https://www.new-adventures.net/the-car-man Serena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/serenamccall_/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E19
July 15 · 38 min
Alexandra Beller: what does the body know?
The human body is a walking repository of human experience, its joys and terrors, surprises and exhilarations. Someone who knows how to tap into that embodied experience is Alexandra Beller – an American dancer, choreographer and somatic educator, whose new book explores how movement and our lived relationship to it can widen our capacity for self-trust and curiosity. Alexandra danced for several years with choreographer Bill T Jones and now creates work for theatre and dance, alongside her own therapy and teaching practice. She’s perfectly placed to tell us what the body knows. The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the Creative Process for Theater and Dance is published by Bloomsbury https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/anatomy-of-art-9781350564206/ Alexandra’s website https://www.alexandrabeller.com/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E18
June 10 · 45 min
Lil Buck: from Memphis to the world stage
No one moves like Charles “Lil Buck” Riley. The dancer, renowned for Memphis jookin’, has a breathtakingly fluid style which has led to collaborations in ballet, music, fashion and more. His latest project is part of the opening season at Oxford’s new arts centre: he is a Schwarzman Centre Cultural Fellow, and collaborating with ZooNation on 1776, a new piece marking 250 years of American independence. How does that make him reflect on America in 2026? And how does Lil Buck feel about a dance journey that has taken him from the parking lots of Memphis to a global audience? 1776 is at Schwarzman Centre, Oxford on 26 June https://www.schwarzmancentre.ox.ac.uk/whats-on/1776-z24j https://www.lilbuck.com Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E17
May 27 · 45 min
Isabelle Brouwers: sharing the dance
Isabelle Brouwers is an eloquent advocate for ballet and the way it can speak to young people, audiences and wider communities. She retired from English National Ballet earlier this year to become Artistic Director of Yorkshire Ballet Seminars, which offer opportunities to talented young dancers (the rollcall of past participants is impressive). Isabelle’s links with the RAD run deep: she took a Silver Medal at the Genée (now Fonteyn) International Ballet Competition and recently attained the RAD’s Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma. With a sharp brain and unique international perspective, she tells us about her exciting next steps. Yorkshire Ballet Seminars: https://www.ybss.co.uk/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E16
May 13 · 38 min
Nathan James: taptastic!
As the RAD releases its new Musical Theatre syllabus, Dr Nathan James (the RAD’s Deputy Artistic Director – Education) describes what makes it distinctive. From falling under the spell of the tap-happy musical 42nd Street in childhood, to performing in the show as an adult performer, he tells us about discovering his calling as teacher, his research into MGM musicals, the rigours of tap and whether choreographers are right to complain that dance is often ‘bottom of the list’ in contemporary musicals. https://www.nathanjamesdance.com/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E15
April 23 · 44 min
Dena Kaplan: good-girl dancer to euphoric DJ
In a candid interview, the Australian-based dancer, actor and musician Dena Kaplan describes the unexpected places dance may take you. Dena was born in South Africa and moved to Australia. A talented young dancer, at 16 she was cast in The Lion King: an experience far less supportive than it should have been. After training in New York she returned to Australia in the hit tv series Dance Academy, as the ruthlessly ambitious Abigail Armstrong. Next came the euphoria of music, as a DJ and recording artist under the name Dena Amy. What might the path ahead look like? https://www.denaamy.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E14
April 2 · 25 min
Sir Peter Wright: a century of dance
Sir Peter Wright is living proof that doing what you love will sustain you. The ballet producer and artistic director turns 100 in November, but has been involved in recent revivals of his cherished productions of Giselle, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake for the Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. In this special episode of Why Dance Matters, we listen in as Sir Peter talks about his life and work to the RAD’s Patrons’ Circle (who support the RAD’s charitable work). He discusses the star dancers he worked with, and how ballet has changed during his remarkable life in dance. Peter Wright made his debut as a dancer with Ballets Jooss during World War II. In 1961 he joined John Cranko’s new Stuttgart company, choreographing ballets and mounting his first production of Giselle. His productions of the classics now feature in the repertories of companies around the world. In 1977 he became Director of Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, supervising its transformation into Birmingham Royal Ballet (he became Director Laureate on retirement from the company in 1995). In 1990 he received the RAD’s Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, and a knighthood in 1993. He is a Vice-President of the RAD. The RAD’s Patrons Circle https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/support-dance/#patron Birmingham Royal Ballet celebrate Sir Peter Wright on 18 June https://www.brb.org.uk/shows/sir-peter-wright-centenary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E13
March 19 · 38 min
Pawlet Brookes: the art of serendipity
Serendipity is what happens when the universe smiles on you: a happy chance, a creative coincidence. It is also the name of the remarkable Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage. Led by the unstoppable Pawlet Brookes, it shifts the lens through which we see dance, putting art and artists from the African and African Caribbean diaspora at the heart of the conversation. Pawlet’s career embraces every aspect of the performing arts. With Serendipity, she has created the annual festival, Let’s Dance International Frontiers, and now a pioneering MA programme. She’s a powerhouse. But why does dance matter to her? Pawlet Brookes MBE is the CEO and Artistic Director of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage. Serendipity’s mission is to centre perspectives from the African and African Caribbean diaspora and present them as cultural experiences for all audiences. In 2011, Pawlet founded Let’s Dance International Frontiers, Leicester’s annual dance festival, which showcases high quality dance that celebrates diversity. A champion talent-spotter, Pawlet has brought countless international artists to the UK. Serendipity has a publishing wing, and is developing a digital archive called Unearthed: Forgotten Histories. Pawlet was awarded an MBE in 2022. Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage https://www.serendipity-uk.com/ Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2026 runs from 29 April-9 May https://www.serendipity-uk.com/whats-on/lets-dance-international-frontiers/ MA Black British Dance and Performance https://www.serendipity-uk.com/ma-black-british-dance-and-performance/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E12
March 5 · 46 min
Jordan James Bridge: defying the gatekeepers
Jordan James Bridge is a sharp mover and thinker and an ambitious talent. Having danced for Company Wayne McGregor, his own choreography has made a splash on screen and in the Ballet Nights series of dance gigs. It all began for Jordan at school near Wigan, in the north of England, where he first discovered dance – where he returned last summer because the dance studio at Fred Longworth High School has been named after him. This full circle moment seems the perfect time to ask Jordan about forging his path, defying the gatekeepers – and why dance matters. Jordan James Bridge is a multi award winning choreographer/performer for stage, screen and fashion. A longstanding dance artist of Company Wayne McGregor, he more recently appeared in Disney's The Marvels and walked for Moschino in Milan fashion week. Nominated for ‘Emerging Artist’ as both dancer and choreographer in the National Dance Award 2024, he has won multiple awards for his dance films Us, Locked Down and PARASITE. He made a ballet for Györi Ballet, Hungary, and is a consistent creative entity at Ballet Nights in London. He is a renowned lecturer in both Cunningham based technique and his signature Guided Improvisation method. Jordan James Bridge https://jordanbridgedance.co.uk/ Jordan premieres two works in New English Ballet Theatre: Covent Garden Choreographics on 21 March (Clore Studio, RBO) https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/new-english-ballet-theatre-covent-garden-choreographics-details Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E11
February 19 · 45 min
Sonia Sabri: the power of dance
Our guest today is the choreographer Sonia Sabri – dance changed her life, and now she uses it to change others. Sonia grew up in Wolverhampton, UK, in a traditional Indian family. Unusually her parents supported her dancing: her dad hoped she might conquer Bollywood, but instead, she devoted herself to kathak, which helped her withstand disapproval and bullying. Alongside her international career, her teaching reinforces the power of sharing dance – building not just steps, but self-belief. Our conversation touches on mental health and domestic abuse – Sonia has helped students change their lives in ways she would never have predicted. Sonia Sabri MBE is a multi-award-winning dance artist, choreographer and movement director and Artistic Director of Sonia Sabri Company (SSC). One of the world’s leading Kathak dance artists, her work explores both the classical roots of Kathak and contemporary approaches, reflecting Western and Eastern cultures. In 2022, she was associate choreographer for Wondrous Stories, launching Birmingham Festival Commonwealth Games, and for the Opening Ceremony. SSC is an Associate Artist at Birmingham Hippodrome and Sonia is Creative Resident at Curve. Sonia Sabri Company https://ssco.org.uk/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E10
February 5 · 40 min
Dr. Mark Broomfield: changing the world, one dance at a time
Dr. Mark Broomfield is a dance scholar and artist, and the author of Black Queer Dance: Gay Men and the Politics of Passing for Almost Straight. Born in London, he has spent much of his career in New York, currently as Associate Professor of English and the Founder and Director of Performance as Social Change at SUNY Geneseo. He says his work is about “moving minds, moving bodies and moving souls” to advance transformational social change. We’ll ask about bodies, identity and change. Dr. Mark Broomfield is Associate Professor of English, Founder and Director of Performance as Social Change™ at SUNY Geneseo. The award-winning, London-born scholar and artist of Jamaican heritage has numerous publications on race, gender, sexuality, dance and ethnography, and he has lectured, choreographed and directed widely. His first book is Black Queer Dance: Gay Men and the Politics of Passing for Almost Straight (Routledge), while his forthcoming documentary Danced Out explores Black, gay male dancers in New York City. Mark’s website https://www.markbroomfield.org/ Black Queer Dance https://www.routledge.com/Black-Queer-Dance-Gay-Men-and-the-Politics-of-Passing-for-Almost-Straight/Broomfield/p/book/9780367076351 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E9
January 22 · 40 min
Elizabeth Honer: what does leadership look like?
We meet Elizabeth Honer – the RAD’s first female chief executive in its 106 year history – marking her first year in post. Elizabeth’s career in public service has included leadership roles in the UK’s Treasury and Foreign Office. But ballet has long been a passion, and Elizabeth first encountered the RAD when taking exams as a child. She returned to dance as a Silver Swan, the life-changing programme for older dance students. How do her values translate into leadership? Culture doesn’t stand still, so leaders must stay alert – how will the RAD develop on her watch? Elizabeth Honer has had a lifelong love of dance, starting her career at Sadler’s Wells and most recently through classes at RAD headquarters and as a member of the RAD’s Finance Committee, before being appointed Chief Executive of the RAD. She has had an illustrious career in public service, latterly as CEO of an HM Treasury commercial agency and a director at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, engaging at senior levels around the globe. Elizabeth was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours. Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E8
January 8 · 47 min
Christopher Scott: making Wicked dance
Our first guest of 2026 is the choreographer of the Wicked movies: the defying gravity force field that is Christopher Scott. In two phenomenal films, based on the hit stage musical, Christopher brings the land of Oz to stomping, whirling life – continuing his collaboration with director John M Chu (including In the Heights and the web series Legion of Extraordinary Dancers). How does Christopher, who began as a street dancer, work with stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande? And there is no Oscar for choreography – how does this passionate advocate for dance feel about that? Christopher Scott graduated from the Hollywood High Performing Arts Magnet Program, and began his choreography career in the Step Up dance films. He became associate producer and choreographer of The LXD: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. From 2010-16, he was a resident choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance, receiving three Emmy nominations. He has directed for stage and screen and has worked with artists such as Miley Cyrus and Gloria Estefan. In 2019, for director Jon M Chu, he choreographed the film of Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, followed by Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E7
Dec 4, 2025 · 43 min
Jamiel Devernay-Laurence: ballet entrepreneur
Jamiel Devernay-Laurence has a dance brain, but also a business brain. Founder, artistic director and enthusiastic compere of the ever-growing series of Ballet Nights events, he has also created the production house Fundamentally Dance. Having danced with Scottish Ballet, Jamiel then parlayed his energy into Ballet Nights, taking its programmes of dance into big London venues like Cadogan Hall and the Ministry of Sound nightclub, and to international editions. New events are in the works, and Jamiel’s ballet evangelism knows no bounds – why shouldn’t ballet play the biggest stadiums? Jamiel Devernay-Laurence is an acclaimed creative arts producer, choreographer, filmmaker and entrepreneur. Through his production house, Fundamentally Dance, and the performance umbrella Ballet Nights, he curates and produces high-impact programmes of ballet and contemporary dance across the UK and beyond. A former Soloist with Scottish Ballet, he has earned critical acclaim and a nomination for the Innovation Award at the 2024 Stage Awards in recognition of his dynamic approach to developing exciting new ideas in performing arts. An Evening With Matthew Ball is at the Susie Sainsbury Theatre, London on 14 December: https://www.fundamentallydance.com/an-evening-with-matthew-ball Ballet Nights New Year’s Day Concert is at Cadogan Hall, London: https://www.balletnights.com/new-years-day Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E6
Nov 27, 2025 · 28 min
Evie Templeton: Wednesday, ballet and Lady Gaga
Here’s an unusual compliment: “Evie has amazing eyes that can emote both compassion and complete psychotic behaviour.” This is a director describing Evie Templeton, who at 16 stars in the hit Netflix series Wednesday. Evie brings her compassionate/psychotic presence to Agnes DeMille – stalker and ally of Wednesday Addams in the comic and macabre series. The character, named for the pioneering choreographer Agnes DeMille, even dances to an original number by Lady Gaga. Evie herself has a background in RAD ballet (her sister Jessica was a medallist at the RAD’s Genée competition). How has ballet shaped Evie’s approach to performing? Evie Templeton was born in Barbados and later moved to England. Aged 10, she played young Cosette and Eponine in Les Misérables in the West End. She made her film debut in Red, followed by roles in Life After Life, Disney’s Pinocchio and Lord of Misrule. As well as playing Agnes DeMille in Wednesday, she is due to appear in Return to Silent Hill. Wednesday on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81231974 Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S11 · E5
Nov 13, 2025 · 37 min
Anthony Roth Costanzo: high notes and bold choices
Few classical singers embrace movement as vividly as the star countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo. He explores all the possibilities of a performing career, from opera to cabaret. His captivating high tones specialise in both early and modern operas: famously, in the testing title role of Philip Glass’ Akhnaten. Recent audacious projects include playing Maria Callas, and a solo Marriage of Figaro where he sang all the roles. As director of Opera Philadelphia he has attracted new audiences with a successful Pick Your Price ticket scheme. He’s an astonishing, eloquent advocate for the arts – including dance. Anthony Roth Costanzo began performing professionally aged 11 and has appeared in opera, concert, recital, film and on Broadway. In 2024, he became the General Director and President of Opera Philadelphia. He has appeared with many of the world’s leading opera houses and at a venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden. His most recent album is Anthony Roth Costanzo & Justin Vivian Bond: Only an Octave Apart, and he stars on the Metropolitan Opera’s Grammy award-winning recording of Akhnaten. Anthony’s website https://anthonyrothcostanzo.com/ Opera Philadelphia https://www.operaphila.org/ Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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