Samantha Figgins

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WJLA - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Annual Visit to DC

WJLA - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Annual Visit to DC

WASHINGTON (7News) — As we celebrate Black History Month, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is making its annual visit to Washington, D.C. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater "shares the African American cultural experience through performances, training, classes, and community programs," according to its website. The troupe's new artistic director, Alicia Graf Mack, hails from the DMV and is excited to bring the art and performance of the troupe back to the area. "This is such a beautiful responsibility to hold in my hands. I grew up in this area, as you said, and I remember coming to performances in Baltimore and Washington, and having my dreams just enlarged and fulfilled," she said. The troupe is performing at the Warner Theater through Feb. 8

The Washington Post - Pandemic Revived Ailey Dance Company Director's Own Creativity

The Washington Post - Pandemic Revived Ailey Dance Company Director's Own Creativity

When he became the artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 10 years ago, Robert Battle stopped seeing himself as a choreographer. “In fact,” he said in a recent phone interview, “there were parts of me that didn’t really think I would make another work.” Paradoxically, making work is precisely why Battle had landed at Ailey in the first place in 2011. It was his skill as a choreographer and director of his own small troupe, Battleworks Dance Company, that caught the attention of one of the world’s most prestigious modern-dance organizations. Judith Jamison, Battle’s champion and predecessor at Ailey, hailed him as “the creative force of the future.”

Dance Magazine: Friday Film Break: Ailey Dancers Samantha Figgins and Yannick Lebrun Dance Through the Queens Museum

Dance Magazine: Friday Film Break: Ailey Dancers Samantha Figgins and Yannick Lebrun Dance Through the Queens Museum

When sportswear brand Champion approached artist Tremaine Emory, aka Denim Tears, to collaborate on a new line, Emory looked to none other than Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for inspiration. To promote the launch of the resulting capsule collection, Ailey's own Samantha Figgins and Yannick Lebrun took over the Queens Museum for a short film, activating the empty space with their dancing. Directed by Taylour Paige, this video features gorgeous shots of the two dancers bringing the designs to life.

Complex: How Tremaine Emory is Sharing The Legacy of Alvin Ailey, an Icon He Says Is ‘Just As Important As Michael Jordan’

Complex: How Tremaine Emory is Sharing The Legacy of Alvin Ailey, an Icon He Says Is ‘Just As Important As Michael Jordan’

"He’s just as important as Michael Jordan,” said Tremaine Emory. Emory was referring to Alvin Ailey, the Black activist and choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958, when Black stories weren’t being told onstage through modern dance. His name isn’t as familiar as Michael Jordan’s, but his impact is far reaching. Ailey passed more than three decades ago, but his name still lives on through the dance company that he founded and the work he contributed. In 1960 he produced “Revelations,” a piece that tells the story of African American culture from slavery to freedom, and is still being performed by his company today. Emory, the designer behind Denim Tears, wanted to honor that with his newest project, an apparel collection called Cry/Revelations that was produced by Champion. Emory said Champion approached him about a collaboration and he immediately knew he wanted to do something connected to Alvin Ailey.

The Face - Tremaine Emory On His Alvin Ailey Inspired Champion Collab

The Face - Tremaine Emory On His Alvin Ailey Inspired Champion Collab

Tremaine Emory is no stranger to designer collaborations. As a consultant, the omni-talented artist has advised the likes of Kanye West and Frank Ocean and collaborated with brands such as Nike, Adidas, Levi’s and Stüssy. Now, the No Vacancy Inn co-founder and FACE family member has added yet another string to his bow: a super-slick collaboration with Champion. Due to launch in September, the Champion Tears collection takes influence from both the sportswear brand’s archives and one of the giants of 20th century dance: Alvin Ailey. Founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York – and one of the most important figures in honouring Black culture through dance – the whole thing is brought to life in a film by director, dancer and star of A24’s upcoming Zola, Taylour Paige.

Highsnobiety - Tremaine Emory Cries “Champion Tears” For Alvin Ailey

Highsnobiety - Tremaine Emory Cries “Champion Tears” For Alvin Ailey

Tremaine Emory aims to incite reform from the inside out, utilizing platforms offered by giant conglomerates to recontextuali ze inequity and consider lingering effects of discrimination on Black America. Emory's latest move is in alignment with sportswear giant Champion, lionizing Alvin Ailey and his legendary Dance Theater in line with the forthcoming documentary film that explores Ailey's life and legacy.

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Showing 1 – 10 of 21 Items