American Spectacle Podcast: Dance, Culture, and American Movement

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American Spectacle Podcast explores the rise—and reckoning—of America’s global influence in the performing arts, with a sharp focus on dance. From the jazz age to today’s shifting cultural landscape, host Thomas K. Flagg engages in candid conversations with leading voices in the field, including Alexandra Wells (former head of Juilliard Ballet), acclaimed choreographer Jamal Story, and world-renowned hip hop artist Raphael Xavier. Where have we come from—and where are we headed?

Guests include celebrated artists and educators such as Bill Shipley, Jamal Story, Peter Chu, Elka Samuels Smith, and Alexandra Wells — each offering a unique perspective on the shifting landscape of American movement culture.

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Alexandra Wells on Ballet Legacy, Reinvention, and Dance Leadership

Alexandra Wells joins Thomas King Flagg for a wide-ranging conversation about ballet legacy, artistic resilience, and leadership across performance and direction.

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Anna Morgan on Dance Research, Training, and the Thinking Dancer

Anna Morgan joins Thomas King Flagg to discuss dance education through the lens of research, pedagogy, and lived studio practice.

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Bill Shipley on Arts Funding, Community Spaces, and Cultural Access

Bill Shipley joins Thomas King Flagg for a conversation about the practical side of building arts culture: funding, community infrastructure, and sustained local support.

A woman with red hair and a black top sits in an empty theater, smiling at the camera. The stage and rows of seats are visible in the background.

Carol Cusack on Irish Dance, Community, and Cultural Continuity

Carol Cusack joins Thomas King Flagg to discuss Irish dance, community traditions, and the social role of performance culture.

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Elka Samuels Smith on Tap Dance, Culture, and Arts Advocacy

Elka Samuels Smith joins Thomas King Flagg for a conversation about dance as family legacy, cultural language, and public responsibility.

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Jamal Story on Dance, Identity, and Arts Education

Jamal Story joins Thomas King Flagg for a wide-ranging conversation on dance, identity, and why arts education matters far beyond the stage.