A Vibrant Mural Celebrating Josephine Baker’s ‘Two Loves’—‘My Country and Paris’—Has Been Unveiled in France
The colorful street art, which features a quote from one of her songs, honors the iconic singer, dancer and civil rights activist’s enduring legacy
These 15 Dynamic Photos Will Make You Want to Dance
Get footloose with these Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest dance scenes
Meet Martha Swope, the Legendary Broadway Photographer Who Captured Iconic Moments From Hundreds of Productions and Rehearsals
She spent nearly 40 years taking theater and dance pictures, providing glimpses behind the scenes and creating images that the public couldn’t otherwise access
This Sea Lion Can Headbang Better Than You—Watch Her Out-Perform Humans at Keeping a Beat
A new study of Ronan, a sea lion famous for her dancing skills, challenges the idea that only vocal learners can match a tempo
Fifty Years Ago, This Irresistible Disco Song and Dance Craze Swept the Nation and Changed the Music Landscape
Disco music’s time in the sun may have passed, but the legacy of “The Hustle,” a mega hit in the genre, lives on
See the Stunning Frescoes of a Mysterious Dionysian Cult Discovered in Ancient Pompeii
Created more than a century before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E., the wall paintings provide rare insights into secret rituals conducted in the Roman city
Josephine Baker’s Memoir Is Now Being Published for the First Time in English
A newly available memoir reveals a tender, private side of the global celebrity
Halloween Is Spooky. But So Are These Eight Other Celebrations Around the World
From Setsubun in Japan to Fèt Gede in Haiti, these festivals relish in the macabre
The Colorful World of These Brazilian Identical Twins Bridges Dreams and Reality
The artists known as OSGEMEOS showcase the largest exhibition of their work in the United States at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
What’s the History of Hawaiian Grass Skirts? And More Questions From Our Readers
You’ve got questions. We’ve got experts
For 100 Years, Santa Feans Have Burned New Mexico’s Boogeyman in a ‘Sacred Rite of Purification, Laughter and Rebirth’
The original “burning man” was the brainchild of a local artist and involves volunteers constructing a 50-foot-tall villain
Breaking Just Made Its Olympic Debut. Will It Return in 2032?
The event won’t be featured at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, but that doesn’t mean its Olympic journey is over
Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries
These 15 Groovy Photos Capture the Joy of Music
Musical instruments have existed for eons, and humans continue to create and enjoy them
The First Tango in Paris Made a Stir Worth Remembering
As breaking makes its debut at this summer’s Olympics, take a look back more than a century when another dance rocked the City of Lights
These American Women Left Their Country and Took Their Talents to Paris
A show featuring early 20th-century figures tells the story of how the city became a haven for artists
Moulin Rouge Windmill Blades Fall Off in the Middle of the Night
The iconic Paris landmark has never experienced such a mishap in its 135-year history
How Breaking Went From a Street Dance to an Olympic Sport
This summer, 32 athletes will compete in what’s commonly known as breakdancing, a dance sport that combines athleticism and artistry
Chechnya Bans Music That Isn’t Between 80 and 116 Beats Per Minute
Officials have given artists until June 1 to rewrite material that does not fall within the accepted range
In the Face of Prejudice, the ‘Black Swans’ Took the Ballet World by Storm
A new book shows how pioneering ballerinas captivated audiences and broke racial barriers
Watch This Year’s ‘Dance Your PhD’ Contest Winner, a Musical Celebration of Kangaroo Behavior
“Kangaroo Time” took home the competition’s overall prize, while interpretive dances on early life adversity, circadian rhythms and streambank erosion were also honored
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