JOCELYN NOVECK National Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - American Ballet Theatre dancer Gillian Murphy performs "Other Dances" by Jerome Robbins during the BAAND Together Dance Festival on July 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

What does one do on their last day as a ballerina? Gillian Murphy jumped off a cliff (gracefully)

July 19, 2025

After a career of nearly three decades, one of America’s most celebrated ballerinas is hanging up her pointe shoes. American Ballet Theatre’s Gillian Murphy joined the company at 17 and is retiring at age 46. Noted for her technical abilities as well as her longevity, Murphy chose to go out with one of the most challenging roles in all of ballet: the dual swan queen role in “Swan Lake.” She performed for a cheering crowd Friday night at the Metropolitan Opera House, where fellow dancers feted her onstage afterwards in a blur of bouquets, hugs and glittery confetti.

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appears on stage with his family including his wife, Rama Duwaji, right, at his primary election party, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji is an animator, illustrator and ceramicist. And they met on Hinge

June 25, 2025

People across the country are still learning about Zohran Mamdani, who stunned the political world and is poised to become the Democratic nominee for NYC mayor after sweeping past Andrew Cuomo. They know even less about his wife, artist Rama Duwaji. She’s an animator and illustrator originally from Damascus, Syria, according to her Instagram bio. She also enjoys taking a break from tech-based art to create her own ceramics, particularly illustrated plates in blue and white. Another noteworthy (and much-mentioned) fact about the couple: They met on Hinge, the dating app, the candidate has said.

Tony Awards highlights: Radio City becomes the room where it happens for a ‘Hamilton’ reunion

June 9, 2025

Cole Escola of “Oh, Mary!” promised Mom a call, and also thanked a Grindr date. A “Maybe Happy Ending” writer kept reminding everyone that he’s single. Audra McDonald brought the room to a reverent hush with a powerhouse rendition of “Rose’s Turn” from “Gypsy,” but lost the Tony this time to Nicole Scherzinger of “Sunset Blvd.” Notable Tony moments also included a much-awaited “Hamilton” original cast reunion performance that had everyone singing along. Big winners were the charming robot-themed musical “Maybe Happy Ending” and the play “Purpose” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. “Succession” still has legs and Gavin Creel was remembered throughout.

Misty Copeland broke barriers in ballet. Now she’s retiring and moving to ‘the next stage’

June 9, 2025

Trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland has decided to move on to what she calls “the next stage” in her career. Copeland broke barriers at American Ballet Theatre. Ten years ago she became the first female Black principal dancer in the company’s 75-year history. Now, after an October farewell gala, she is leaving the company she joined a quarter-century ago as a teenager. Copeland says she wants to focus on other aspects of her career. The 42-year-old has authored a number of books, including the “Bunheads” series, with a a second installment coming soon. She has made a film with her production company and works toward diversity and inclusion in dance with her Misty Copeland Foundation.

JOCELYN NOVECK National Writer.

What does one do on their last day as a ballerina? Gillian Murphy jumped off a cliff (gracefully)

Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji is an animator, illustrator and ceramicist. And they met on Hinge

Tony Awards highlights: Radio City becomes the room where it happens for a ‘Hamilton’ reunion

Misty Copeland broke barriers in ballet. Now she’s retiring and moving to ‘the next stage’

Finance.

Contact

Sections

about Us