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?
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Flaggdance Podcasts
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American Spectacle: Finding Art in Every Corner with Bill Shipley
18:13
18:13
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18:13
In this heartfelt conversation, Thomas King Flagg reconnects with longtime friend and supporter of the arts, Bill Shipley. Together, they reflect on the transformative power of dance, the value of community-based arts engagement, and the importance of creating space for movement wherever you are. 📘 The Dressing Drink — Available on Amazon, Kindle, …
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American Spectacle: From Dublin to Broadway – A Dance Legacy with Carol Cusack
23:05
23:05
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23:05
Host Thomas King Flagg welcomes Irish performer and storyteller Carol Cusack for a heartfelt conversation that spans continents and generations. From childhood choir rehearsals in Dublin to standing ovations on American stages, Carol reflects on the rhythms that shaped her life—Irish dance, American musicals, and the unwavering support of family. T…
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American Spectacle: The Revolution in Dance Education with Anna Morgan
22:49
22:49
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22:49
In the debut episode of American Spectacle, host Thomas King Flagg welcomes Anna Morgan, a globally recognized dance educator and advocate. Together, they explore the evolution of ballet training, the dismantling of hierarchical power structures in dance education, and how inclusivity and creativity are reshaping the art form. 📘 The Dressing Drink …
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American Spectacle: Dancing Through Identity with Shaun Taylor-Corbett
18:06
18:06
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18:06
Corbett Broadway star Shaun Taylor-Corbett joins host Thomas King Flagg to share his journey from In the Heights and Jersey Boys to co-creating Distant Thunder, the first Native American musical headed to Broadway. This deeply personal episode explores ancestry, cultural preservation, and how movement connects us to history, healing, and purpose. 📘…
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American Spectacle: The Choreography of Care with Alexandra Wells
35:00
35:00
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35:00
In this heartfelt and forward-looking episode, host Thomas King Flagg is joined by visionary educator and mentor Alexandra Wells to explore the role of intentionality in dance training, feedback, and community. From redefining excellence to creating safer, more empowering spaces for dancers, Alexandra shares a philosophy rooted in compassion, rigor…
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American Spectacle: Dance is the Protest with Marcus Smith
22:30
22:30
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22:30
Host Thomas King Flagg welcomes artist, educator, and activist Marcus Smith for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about the role of dance as both protest and prayer. Together, they explore the intersections of faith, movement, and identity, sharing stories about navigating white spaces, reclaiming Black narratives through performance, and…
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