David Parsons’ stroboscopic masterpiece, Caught, features more than 100 leaps in six minutes by a solo dancer who is repeatedly trapped in mid-motion by the strobe lights, to create an illusion of flight. After thousands of performances, worldwide, for nearly thirty years, Caught continues to thrill audiences at every performance. Continue reading
Tag: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Returns to Lincoln Center
By Walter Rutledge
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center Wednesday, June 11 through Sunday, June 22. The company will offer four programs over 15 performances. Continue reading
Dudley Williams: The Consummate Artist
By Walter Rutledge
In 2004 I had the first opportunity to work with Dudley Williams. It was shortly before he retired from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater after his 40-year association with the company, which included being a muse to founder Alvin Ailey. Now ten years later I have worked with him every time an opportunity presented itself. This spring season I have the distinct honor to work with Dudley on two different projects. Continue reading
O & A: A Conversation With Dudley Williams- Three Black Kings and more
Shall We Dance Friday: Dudley Williams- I Wanna Be Ready (1986)
In a long, brilliant career, Dudley Williams worked with such artists as Martha Graham, Talley Beatty, and Donald McKayle. Most significantly, he was a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for more than forty years. Although Williams retired from that company in 2005, some months before his 67th birthday, he still teaches at the Ailey School. He also makes guest appearances as a teacher at the Martha Graham School. “[Dudley Williams is] amazing—an inspiration to everybody, a real poet with movement.” –Alvin Ailey from Revelations: The Autobiography of Alvin Ailey.
Ailey II: The Legacy Continues- New York Season 2014
By Walter Rutledge
The Ailey II New York season, April 2 through April 13, marked the fortieth anniversary of the company. Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey the then titled Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble was one of the first “junior companies” to provide a pre-professional performance environment for aspiring young artists. Under the 37 year stewardship of Sylvia Waters Ailey II grew into an internationally recognized dance company. It has built a solid reputation and a loyal following, now rivaling many professional companies. Continue reading
Sylvia Waters: Artistic Director Emerita Ailey II
By Walter Rutledge
Ailey II: The Creative Process- Choreographer and Dancer/ a conversation with Benoit-Swan Pouffer and David Freeland
Paris-born choreographer Benoit-Swan Pouffer and Ailey II dancer David Freeland discuss the creative process following a rehearsal of Rusty prior to the Ailey II New York season April 2 through April 14 at the Ailey Citgroup Theater. Continue reading
(REPOST) O&A NYC DANCE: Three Black Kings- An Ailey Classic
By Walter Rutledge
Three Black Kings was the last dance and music collaboration between choreographer Alvin Ailey and composer/musician Duke Ellington. Continue reading
















