Dance Critic Gia Kourlas Compares Champion Surfer Caitlin Simmers to Ballet
In an article from the New York Times on August 19, 2026, dance critic Gia Kourlas compares the elegance of ballet to the skill of high-level surfing, spotlighting champion surfer Caitlin Simmers. Kourlas commends Simmers for her fluid torso, her awareness of the water's shifting surface, and her remarkable speed, attributing her strength to these attributes. She emphasizes that Simmers' precision is rooted in a profound center of gravity, allowing her to navigate waves with the grace of a silky ribbon. This piece, found in the Arts section under dance, showcases the intersection of athleticism and artistry in surfing, and it is also featured on ArtsJournal's Belknap blog.
Key facts
- Gia Kourlas is a dance critic for The New York Times.
- Caitlin Simmers is a champion surfer.
- The article was published on August 19, 2026.
- Kourlas compares surfing to ballet.
- Simmers' power is attributed to her undulating torso, sensitivity, and speed.
- Her clarity comes from a deep center of gravity.
- The article is titled 'A Dance Critic Considers High-Level Surfing As Ballet'.
- The piece was featured on ArtsJournal's Belknap blog.
Entities
Artists
- Gia Kourlas
- Caitlin Simmers
Institutions
- The New York Times
- ArtsJournal