Tag Archives: Alvin Ailey

CARMEN & GEOFFREY: LIVING LEGENDS

April 15th, 2009 | Posted in Caribbean, Education, Jazz, Reviews, Technique, black history, choreography, culture, dance

carmengeoffrey11
I have had the greatest pleasure in viewing the limited release documentary “Carmen and Geoffrey”, the living legacy of Carmen de Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder. The couple, a pair of extraordinary and exceptional talents of the 1950’s, play a vital part in the Black Dance Vernacular and Broadway Theater.

Director Linda Atkinson, through archival film footage of their illustrious careers, and filming over a three year time span, chronicles the life and times of this dynamic duo as they live life, love, reminisce and dance. Sustained by a 47 year long marriage and creative partnership, this film allows the viewer to look back with Carmen and Geoffrey as they reflect on a journey of two confident humble individuals and their invaluable contributions to black history through the arts.

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The Real Joy Of Dancing

November 23rd, 2008 | Posted in Education, Everything Else, choreography, dance

 

With over 30 years of performing under my belt, this is the first time that all of my dedication, sore joints and blistered feet have paid off…tenfold.

 

 I just completed my 2008 performance season with The Charles Moore Dance Theater. As a new transplant to the southern hemisphere, this season of pedagogy and performance has been a trying one. Crossing distances of 5 states has only taught me faulty time management, patience and the ability to “let go…let God.”

I really don’t know how I made it through, but I can certainly share how every minute was worth this one exceptional moment.

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A Glamorous Departure

August 23rd, 2008 | Posted in Education, black history, choreography, dance

We present the first ever Barbie doll to be inspired by a dance company: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Barbie doll. Designed by Artistic Director Judith Jamison

We present the first ever Barbie doll to be inspired by a dance company: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Barbie doll. Designed by Artistic Director Judith Jamison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    As Judith Jamison artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre prepares for departure, the Ailey foundation have joined forces with the notorious toy makers of Barbie to create a doll commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  This Barbie doll reflects the famed beauty and grace of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and its world-class dancers. Taking the stage in a soaring leap and perfectly applied stage makeup, the doll is dressed in a flowing, white and lace costume worn in Wade in the Water from Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations.

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Hooray for Bollywood!

July 31st, 2008 | Posted in Television, choreography, culture, dance

Rangoli Dancers

Rangoli Dancers

Well I guess if it’s good enough for “So You Think You Can Dance” it’s good enough for America? The not too recent depiction of Bollywood dance by contestants Joshua and Katee have been a glorious display of art through culture. Nakul Dev Mahajan has delicately prescribed an intricate choreography in a short time span that was visually stunning and quite challenging for contemporary American audiences and dancers alike. This movie genre, in more recent years condensed to television video; include dance infusions of South India’s own Bharata Natyam, West-African, Folkloric Russian and Hip-Hop styles. 

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