Judith Jamison, artistic director emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recalls early years and the racism the company faced while touring the nation. Her current mission: Keep the late Ailey's integrity alive through a new generation of dancers.
The West Coast premiere of the company’s first two-act ballet, “Lazarus,” is part of four distinct programs to be presented through Sunday. Created by street-dance choreographer Rennie Harris, “Lazarus” is inspired by the life of Ailey and the struggles of the civil rights movement. Other works include Wayne McGregor’s “Kairos,” set to a reimagined “The Four Seasons” by composer Max Richter, and Ronald K. Brown’s “The Call.
Jamison joined the company in 1965, and the fledgling modern troupe had already graduated from what its founder calledThe group toured the country in buses filled with costumes, props, lighting, luggage and dancers. Jamison’s L.A. memories with Ailey: performances at UCLA’s Royce Hall and the Wiltern, and staying in a “very funny little motel” on Wilshire Boulevard.
“Mr. Ailey used to say, ‘I don’t care if you’re green with polka dots. If you can dance, if you love what you’re doing, if you are committed to this, you are welcome.’ ” No matter the decade, dance will always be tough, she said. “If you’re a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, it’s always going to be for bodies that can move exquisitely. What’s beautiful about the repertory is it engages everyone.”Battle’s vision for the company is maintaining Ailey’s legacy through honoring iconic repertory and presenting fresh work.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Flint residents can sue former Michigan governor over water disaster, judge rulesJudge Judith Levy says a right to bodily integrity is a “fundamental interest” protected by the U.S. Constitution. Ruling reverses earlier decision.
Read more »
Madam C.J. Walker’s legacy of empowering black women lives on 100 years after her deathNetflix is set to premiere a limited series about Madam C.J. Walker, whose legacy of empowering black women lives on 100 years after her death. The series stars Octavia Spencer and is produced by LeBron James. - NBCBLK
Read more »
Oroville Dam is facing its first big test since it collapsed two years agoThe nation's tallest dam reopened Tuesday, more than two years after its main spillway failed and forced nearly 200,000 people to evacuate their homes, authorities announced
Read more »
28 Affordable Cleaning Products For Your Home You'll Wish You'd Bought Years AgoQuick! Before the Fab 5 from Queer Eye show up at your door (although, yes please).
Read more »
36 Things For Your Bathroom You'll Wish You'd Bought Years AgoFrom cleaning products that really work to quirky bathroom accent pieces, you're going to want a little of everything.
Read more »
45 years ago, a heinous F5 tornado tore through this town and changed it foreverThere was an eerie stillness in the air around midafternoon. At that point, residents of Xenia, Ohio, were still unaware of the disaster that would soon strike.
Read more »
A Boy Found In Kentucky Says He Escaped From Kidnappers After Disappearing Eight Years AgoTimmothy Pitzen was last seen in 2011 with his mother, who then killed herself.
Read more »
Oroville Dam spillway is facing its first big test since it collapsed two years agoCalifornia's Oroville Dam spillway is facing its first big test since it collapsed two years ago
Read more »