Marina Harss is the dance critic for WNYC. Her reviews and previews air during Morning Edition. Harss is a journalist and critic based in New York City, writing on all aspects of dance, and occasionally on opera. Her features, profiles and interviews appear regularly in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Dance Magazine, and DanceTabs.com. She is currently at work on a biography of the choreographer Alexei Ratmansky to be published by Farrar Straus and Giroux.
Marina Harss appears in the following:
From Danish Ballet to Sport-Inspired Modern Dance
Tuesday, July 09, 2019
This summer, the Royal Danish Ballet lands in New York, Mark Morris brings a world premiere and the Film at Lincoln Center presents its annual festival of dance on camera.
Beatles, Beach Boys and More On the Spring Dance Stage
Wednesday, May 08, 2019
Mark Morris and Twyla Tharp present their unique takes on bands of the 1960s, while American Ballet Theater brings a world premiere by Alexei Ratmansky.
100 Solos for 100 Years of Merce Cunningham
Monday, April 15, 2019
This week marks what would have been the groundbreaking choreographer's 100th birthday, prompting a global celebration of his life and work.
Flamenco Takes Over New York
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Over the next several weeks, acclaimed flamenco dancers and their companies will be performing distinctly unique styles of the traditional dance all over New York City.
Sufjan and Kanye at City Ballet, Brazilian Dance at BAM
Monday, January 28, 2019
This winter, New York City Ballet presents rarely-seen works and premiers a new collaboration. At BAM, Brazilian dance takes center stage.
Holiday Dance Traditions (And No, Not ‘The Nutcracker’)
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
It’s not just sugar plum fairies in December. Alvin Ailey holds its annual holiday season at New York City Center. And Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo return to the Joyce.
Willem DaFoe on Being van Gogh, Talal Derki's 'Of Fathers & Sons'
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Willem DaFoe on “At Eternity’s Gate.” Talal Derki on “Of Fathers & Sons.” Marina Harss on the city's many variations of "The Nutcracker."
Choreographers Take Center Stage
Monday, October 15, 2018
WNYC's dance critic Marina Harss takes a look at two exciting ballet events taking place in the city this October.
Two Very Different Shows, One Common Theme – New York
Tuesday, October 09, 2018
One exhibit looks at the work of Jerome Robbins in New York City and another at the influential Judson Dance Theater.
Fall Dance Preview: From Ballet to Bach
Monday, September 17, 2018
Several new works will premiere throughout New York City. Our dance critic highlights several to check out.
As Fall Season Begins, More Allegations Rock New York City Ballet
Thursday, September 06, 2018
A principal male dancer and the company are implicated in a lawsuit brought by a woman who alleges he sent explicit photos of her without her knowledge or consent.
Dances to Watch (and Learn) at Lincoln Center This Summer
Thursday, July 12, 2018
From big band to Mozart to minimalist revivals, there's a lot of dancing going on for visitors to watch and even participate in.
Spring Dance: A 19th-Century Ballet Revival and a Show Inspired By 'Soul Train'
Friday, June 01, 2018
In June, the American Ballet Theatre presents a new "Harlequinade," while choreographer Rennie Harris takes us back to the days of Soul Train with his show 'Funkedified.'
Spring Dance: A New Company from Cuba and Old Favorites from Jerome Robbins
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Cuban-born choreographer Carlos Acosta brings his company to New York for its U.S. debut. And then next month, New York City Ballet begins a weeks-long celebration of Robbins.
Fresh Perspective on Classic Works in Dance This Spring
Tuesday, April 03, 2018
Basil Twist mixes colorful puppetry with Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique," the Dance Theatre of Harlem revives "Dougla" and Dada Masilo brings new "Giselle" to the Joyce Theater.
Ballet Is Back on Broadway This Spring
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
We’re used to ballet at Lincoln Center, but that’s changing as choreographers and dancers perform in musicals, like the revival of "Carousel." Plus, more dance events this spring.
New York City Ballet at a Crossroads
Thursday, January 18, 2018
It starts the winter season without longtime leader Peter Martins after he retired amidst harassment allegations. And a look ahead to two other dance companies, from Cuba and France.
Two Beloved Stories Retold Through Dance
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
One is based on a Hollywood movie that's a cult classic among dancers. The other is from a Persian and Arabian folktale about two star-crossed lovers.
Fall Culture Moment: Dance
Friday, October 20, 2017
A preview of dance performances to look out for this season.
Fall Arts Preview: Pina Bausch's Early Work Returns and Dancing to Coltrane
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Bausch's company returns to BAM to perform the work that introduced her to American audiences. And turning "A Love Supreme" into movement.
