It is my last night in Cardiff before heading to Bradford and I have to say, Cardiff was lovely. We had great weather, great audiences and did I mention the shopping? :-) Plymouth’s weather was also amazing. I’m not a fan of the cold so we'd really lucked out. During the two days we were there, I had to take off my jacket and sweater because it was so warm!
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is currently on tour in the UK. It will be the last time it tours here under the stewardship of one of America's leading dancers and directors, Judith Jamison, who promises something unusual for her swansong.
On July 17, Denise Jefferson, director of The Ailey School, died of ovarian cancer. Affectionately known as Ms. J, her warmth and megawatt smile belied the fact that she was the mastermind behind the educational juggernaut for 26 years.
"We could hear you, a little bit, upstairs," Michelle Obama said, one day last month, to the eighty children pulling down their leotard elastics over their small rear ends in the East Room of the White House. When she walked onstage, what looked like eighty children took pictures of her with their cell phones.
Jamar Roberts saw the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform in his home city of Miami just once - but it was enough for him to know this was the company for him. Jamar, now aged 27, began dancing when he was just ten years old, but initially saw it as a hobby rather than a career option.
Denise Jefferson, who led The Ailey School to international renown during her 26-year tenure as director, died July 17 after a battle with ovarian cancer. She was 65.
We have officially one city down on our UK tour. Let me say, London, you were on fire and thank you, because the beginning of a tour is always harder than the rest. Your applause motivated me through tough times, and I loved that, at every performance, before the final curtain came up, the crowd would roar with enthusiasm. Such a great feeling!
Little ones often showcase their first dance moves - swaying, bouncing and clapping their hands - before they take their first steps. As they grow, many kids show an interest in further exploring dance, whether classical ballet, modern dance, tap, jazz, hip hop or ballroom.
We have finally arrived, although still a little jet lagged. The audience has definitely awoken us. Tuesday was our opening performance. For those who weren’t able to make it out, we performed Suite Otis, The Hunt, Dancing Spirit, and In/Side, followed by Revelations.
Though it was the day after Labor Day, "The White House Dance Series: A Tribute to Judith Jamison" began with a summer-camp air. Youngsters from nine arts programs around the country entered the crystal chandelier-hung East Room, often known for its grand state occasions, wearing a variety of T-shirts, workout clothes and tights.