Michelle Obama has chosen to have a day of dance at The White House on September 7 to celebrate Judith Jamison's retirement and 20th year as the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, founded by Rogers, Texas native and modern dance genius Alvin Ailey. Seven excerpts from various dances will be performed - Cloven Kingdom, Paul Taylor; and Balanchine's Tarantella are both on the list - including two Ailey works.
Ailey grew up in racially segregated Texas but his tough upbringing was the inspiration for many of his pieces including his most famous, Revelations, a three part dance that tells the story of slavery, freedom, and faith. Ailey died in 1989 at the age of 58 and I've only seen his company live one time in my life. But like most dance it moved me to cry, filled a hollow in my chest with emotion, and made me want more. Photo courtesy of BET.com
kristie it's wonderful to find your blog via joslyn's blog. ailey's work sounds amazing. the art of dance can be the most compelling thing.
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