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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

40 Years of Eye on Dance

Required watching in the dance world, the 30-minute interview show Eye on Dance ran weekly on television from 1981 to 2004—a total of 400 shows. Looking over the series today, one realizes what a remarkable archive Celia Ipiotis and Jeff Bush created, a resource filled with gems such as Alvin Ailey’s last interview; Peter Frame on Paul Taylor’s coaching for the “fly in milk” solo from Balanchine’s Episodes; and the only existing film footage of Karel Shook, a cofounder of Dance Theatre of Harlem. A few years ago, the couple discovered an hour-long special they made in 1986, a celebration of their 200th episode. Because 2021 is the 40th anniversary of the Eye on Dance launch, and because funds are needed to restore the complete Eye on Dance Legacy Archive (another 2,400 tapes that include out-takes, shows that were shot but never aired, and video material from artists), the Dance Enthusiasts platform is streaming the anniversary special on March 28, at four P.M. It remains available for viewing through March 30. —L.J.

“Eye on Dance” host Celia Ipiotis and choreographer Garth Fagan. Photo courtesy of Celia Ipiotis.