Sebrena Williamson
Sebrena Williamson is a choreographer and writer with a passion for dance research, dance history, and artistic collaboration. She holds a BFA in Dance, a minor in English, and a minor in Appalachian Studies from Radford University. In her work, Williamson has mainly focused on how dance has historically affected and represented cultures at large, and how the artform can now be used to address societal issues and global phenomena. Her choreographic works, research, and dance films have been presented both nationally and internationally. She loves to work in many narrative genres, and has published films, theatre pieces, and poetry.
Articles by Sebrena Williamson
Tamara Geva: A Pioneer in the World of BalletTamara Geva, a renowned ballet icon, had a multi-genre career spanning continents. Most importantly, she set the stage for ballet in America.
Balanchine and His Ballerinas: American Ballet’s 5 Uncredited MatriarchsBalanchine is remembered as the patriarch of American ballet. In reality, the artform was matriarchal. Balanchine’s wives were the under-credited faces of American ballet.
Balanchine is remembered as the patriarch of American ballet. In reality, the artform was matriarchal. Balanchine’s wives were the under-credited faces of American ballet.
Scandals, Riots, and Ballet: Stravinsky’s Rite of SpringThe Rite of Spring is a Russian ballet depicting an ancient sacrifice ritual, first presented in France. At the premiere, the Parisian audience rioted; today, the work is celebrated worldwide.
The Rite of Spring is a Russian ballet depicting an ancient sacrifice ritual, first presented in France. At the premiere, the Parisian audience rioted; today, the work is celebrated worldwide.
Maria Tallchief: The Superstar of American BalletMaria Tallchief, the star of the 20th-century American dance world, was the first Indigenous American ballerina. Brilliant and stunning, Tallchief was the ultimate ambassador of ballet.
Maria Tallchief, the star of the 20th-century American dance world, was the first Indigenous American ballerina. Brilliant and stunning, Tallchief was the ultimate ambassador of ballet.
George Balanchine: The Father of American BalletGeorge Balanchine is known as “The Father of American Ballet,” but the brilliant and chaotic effects of the international superstar are not only felt in America but throughout the world.
George Balanchine is known as “The Father of American Ballet,” but the brilliant and chaotic effects of the international superstar are not only felt in America but throughout the world.
The Tumultuous History of the New York City BalletBallet in America was almost non-existent until Balanchine founded the New York City Ballet. Through this company, ballet became an American art – for better or worse.
8 Groundbreaking Works of Art From the Ballets RussesFantastical theater, riotous choreography, and collaborations with artists; the Ballets Russes shattered choreographic and artistic norms.
Fantastical theater, riotous choreography, and collaborations with artists; the Ballets Russes shattered choreographic and artistic norms.
A Legendary Collaboration of the Arts: The History of the Ballets RussesThe effects of the Ballets Russes can still be found in today’s dance theater. Let's look into the bustling world of the 20th century’s most celebrated dance company.
Dance as Diplomacy: Cultural Exchange During the Cold WarDuring the Cold War, art was often a source of tension. Dancers and choreographers, however, performed freely. In a unique cultural exchange, dancers set the stage for Cold War diplomacy.
During the Cold War, art was often a source of tension. Dancers and choreographers, however, performed freely. In a unique cultural exchange, dancers set the stage for Cold War diplomacy.
Dancing Mania and the Black Plague: A Craze That Swept Through EuropeAs a result of the Black Plague, some citizens developed what was called “The Dancing Mania:” a deadly phenomenon where participants danced until they dropped.
Edgar Degas’ Most Graceful Depictions of the Paris Opera BalletOver half of Edgar Degas’ published works are of Paris Opera ballet dancers. Through these paintings, we can survey the otherworldly elegance of the Paris Opera Ballet.
Over half of Edgar Degas’ published works are of Paris Opera ballet dancers. Through these paintings, we can survey the otherworldly elegance of the Paris Opera Ballet.
Les Petits Rats: Exploitation at the Paris Opera BalletBehind the glamorous facade of the Paris Opera Ballet, young aspiring ballerinas were sexually exploited for the benefit of the ballet and its patrons.
Behind the glamorous facade of the Paris Opera Ballet, young aspiring ballerinas were sexually exploited for the benefit of the ballet and its patrons.