Let’s be real—most of us weren’t alive or conscious of the dance world in the 1980s. But for those who were, *Dance Magazine* wasn’t just a publication—it was a lifeline. Before Instagram reels, YouTube tutorials, and TikTok challenges, dancers, choreographers, and enthusiasts turned to the pages of this iconic magazine to stay connected to the pulse of the art form.
The ’80s were a transformative decade for dance. We’re talking the rise of hip-hop culture breaking into the mainstream, the ongoing evolution of postmodern and contemporary dance, ballet companies pushing artistic boundaries, and the undeniable influence of music videos bringing choreography to living rooms everywhere. And *Dance Magazine* was there, documenting it all with a mix of critical analysis, artist profiles, and stunning photography.
What’s fascinating is how the magazine balanced high art with street style long before it became trendy. One month you’d read an in-depth interview with Mikhail Baryshnikov; the next, you’d see coverage of popping and locking battles in New York. It gave a platform to voices and styles that mainstream media often overlooked.
In many ways, *Dance Magazine* in the ’80s was more than just news—it was a curator of culture. It introduced readers to emerging choreographers, critiqued performances with intellectual rigor, and celebrated the sheer physicality and emotion of dance. There was no algorithm deciding what you saw—just editors and writers who lived and breathed dance.
Looking back, it’s clear how much has changed. Today, we have instant access to global dance trends, online classes, and digital communities. But sometimes I wonder—are we missing the depth that publications like *Dance Magazine* offered? The thoughtful essays, the long-form interviews, the sense that you were holding a piece of the art in your hands?
Maybe there’s something to be said for slowing down and absorbing dance culture the way they did back then. Because while technology has connected us in incredible ways, nothing quite replaces the texture of a well-written article or the impact of a beautifully composed photo spread.
Here’s to the legacy of *Dance Magazine*—and to remembering that sometimes the old-school ways still have a lot to teach us.
