Somewhere near the top of the modern-dance family tree, where the foliage is plentiful, you'll find Sylvia Waters. This season after 38 years on the job, Ms. Waters will step down as artistic director of Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where her main triumph has been to cultivate dancers and nurture their inner stars.
Iconic dancer/choreographer Judith Jamison, a Philadelphia native and the former artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of four renowned leaders and achievers being honored for their lifetime accomplishments with the 33rd annual Common Wealth Awards of Distinguished Service.
Life is about to change for Sylvia Waters. In June, the artistic director for the Ailey II Dance Company will retire from the company of young dancers she has led for nearly four decades.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater hosted its 13th annual opening night gala benefit at the Kennedy Center Tuesday night. Proceeds from the event, which drew politicians and business leaders, will fund scholarships to the Ailey School.
The executive director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation will step down in 2013, ending a 16-year run in which she oversaw significant growth, the organization said Wednesday.
Sylvia Waters had no intention of leading a dance company but the legendary Alvin Ailey saw a passion in her that he would not allow the world to pass by. Some 35 years ago, the late American choreographer and activist invited Waters to launch Ailey II — the junior company to his school and it has since has grown into an international success story.
Dance seems to have always been a part of Judith Jamison's road in life. Growing up, she trained early in dance and music and attended the Philadelphia Dance Academy. In 1964, she started performing with the American Ballet Theatre.
Nov. 30: The opening night gala of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater included a performance at New York City Center. A candlelight dinner at the Hilton New York in all white, AstroTurf floor covering included, followed.
Given that she is 77 years old and has been on the board of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 17 years, 11 as chairwoman, Joan H. Weill clearly does not need to serve any longer. She could simply be enjoying time with her husband, Sanford I. Weill, who recently retired as the head of Citigroup.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has signed its first multi-year agreement with City Center, according to officials of the two companies who were scheduled to announce that arrangement on Tuesday.