By Walter Rutledge
On Thursday April 30th Brooklyn North High Schools (BKNHS) held an Arts Professional Development Day at the New York City College of Technology. The day of networking, pedagogy, workshops and performance was the third of a four-part series moderated by Superintendent Dr. Russell White and conducted by members of the Jamel Gaines Dance Company (JGDC) and Artistic Director Jamel Gaines. One of the highlights was a dance performance by JGDC (yes, a 5-6-7-8 at 9am). The enthusiastic audience of educators were treated to a sneak preview of Pressure a work-in-progress by choreographer Christopher Huggins.
Pressure is an ensemble work set to the timeless and soulful music of Sounds of Blackness. Still early in the process this ballet addresses the chaotic times we are living in. This present iteration has strong emotional undertones and an athletic, fast paced technical base (trademarks of Huggins high energy choreographic style). O&A NYC attended the April 29th professional development day, and we have the exclusive sneak preview of Huggins’ Pressure.
Pressure- work in progress JGDC Christopher Huggins Choreographer
Christopher L. Huggins has had a career most performing artists would dream of. An accomplished performer the Boston native attended SUNY Purchase, the Juilliard School and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. While at Julliard master choreographer Alvin Ailey “handpicked” Huggins for his world-renowned company.
After his tenure with the Ailey Company Huggins began a successful career as a teacher, and freelance choreographer. Huggins has choreographed for Philadanco, Dallas Black Dance Theater, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and has two works in the Ailey repertory. He is a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow and the 2002 and 2008 recipient of the Black Theater Alliance Best Choreography Award. Additionally, his works has been showcased nationally/internationally at more than 30 universities. At this time there is no premiere date scheduled, but we will keep you updated.
