What does it take to be an “Ailey” dancer?

 

That is the question that I keep asking myself as I continue on this new journey as a member of the Ailey Company. The first words that come to my mind when I think of an Ailey dancer are “powerful” and “athletic.” It's no secret that the dancers in the Ailey Company have an energy and force unique to themselves. It's something that I am learning how to tap into more and more every day. However, there is another characteristic of the Ailey dancers that I feel is one of the most important (even though sometimes it's overlooked)... their artistic honesty and freedom. Some of the greatest Ailey dancers I can think of (Dudley Williams, Sarita Allen, Gary DeLoatch, and Donna Wood, just to name a few) were storytellers. They were so free onstage and able to communicate a truth all their own.

 

 

Hello! My name is Daniel Harder, and I am one of the newest members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I am very excited to be able to share all of my thoughts with you through this blog about the amazing new adventure I am embarking upon. My first international tour with the Ailey Company is less than three weeks away!

 

  

 

Hello my fellow Dance Consortium friends.  My name is Constance Stamatiou. I’m a dancer from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I am originally from Charlotte, NC and this is my fourth year with the Company.

 

A typical day for me starts early with Pilates or Gyrotonics before Company class at 10:30am. This week’s Company class was taught by Clinton Luckett from American Ballet Theatre, and on Wednesday we had floor barre from our very own colleague Renee Robinson. We then rehearsed from 12:00pm-3:00pm with Christopher Huggins’ new work "Anointed."  After our lunch break from 3:00pm-4:00pm, we rehearsed other works from 4:00pm-7:00pm.

 

There is no way to describe the language of dance. Each dancer creates his own with, perhaps, a look, a gesture or a pause.

 

Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison once said, “Dancers don't always intend to communicate something specific. Dance comes from someplace internal. It's something that happens inside, spontaneously and it might happen to suggest something.”

Alvin Ailey dancer Matthew Rushing has the ability to suggest something. He allows his audience to dig deep and feel joy or love or sadness. His moves might be serene or passionate. And when he steps onto the stage, you simply cannot take your eyes off of him. He exudes a presence that captivates. But, of this, he is seemingly unaware.

As part of the Ailey Extension's 5th birthday celebration, we invited our students to share their stories about how the Extension has made an impact on their lives. We were honored to receive dozens of submissions and ultimately selected five fabulous stories for you to enjoy.  We then invited the public to vote on their favorite story. 

 

Congratulations to Suzanne "Africa" Engo (pictured), who won the most votes in our poll -- you can watch her video interview here: