Calvin Royal III at PCCA in 2006. Credit: Photo by Max Linsky

Calvin Royal III at PCCA in 2006. Credit: Photo by Max Linsky

Back in January of 2006, when Creative Loafing was still Weekly Planet, we ran a cover photo of a 17-year-old dancer named Calvin Royal III. His story was part of an issue (now a regular occurrence) that profiled young local artists worth watching.

While we're sure being on the cover of CL was nice, it can't compare to the coverage Royal's been getting lately. His teachers at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at St. Pete's Gibbs High School told us he was a brilliant dancer, and it hasn't taken long for the rest of the world to find out.

Calvin Royal III with ABT II in 2008. Credit: Andrea Mohin/The New York Times
 
As the New York Times reported in 2010, Royal was the only new apprentice admitted that year to the prestigious American Ballet Theater. Now he's continuing to shine as a member of the corps, according to a review in today'sTimes that singles him out for his performance in the ballet "Clear":

"Calvin Royal III, a corps dancer, looked like a new star: clean, aglow with the joy of dancing, clear."

This was just a day after the Times' announcement that Royal is one of eight finalists for the prestigious Clive Barnes Award for young actors and dancers. One winner in each field will be awarded the prize, which is named for the late Times theater and dance critic.

Congratulations, Calvin, and thank you for making us look prescient.

Check out this year's crop of young artists 25 and under in our Fall Arts Issue.

This article appears in Nov 7-13, 2013.