Dance is an art form that transcends a multitude of cultures, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. In actuality, it can be ideally described as a figurative bridge that joins the divergent spectrums of the world’s various populations. Perhaps the most recognized pioneer of this movement is dance legend turned world-renowned brand Alvin Ailey. Though several years have passed since his death, his legacy lives on in dance luminary Robert Battle, Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Not new at all to the artistic field, Battle’s résumé boasts an uncharted repertoire of awards, leadership roles, and honors. From dancing with the Parsons Dance Company between 1994 and 2001 to being honored as one of the “Masters of African-American Choreography” by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2005, Battle is already considered an iconic figure in the dancing arena. Now, with a relatively new title of Artistic Director attached to his name, Battle is taking contemporary dance to new heights, and even stopped in Atlanta on his journey to the top.
“Every little success that you have gives you courage to put [one] foot in front of the other,” Battle told The Maroon Tiger of his extensive dance experience and accomplishments. “Pay attention, not only to the darker signs, but the successes. So, when I saw the Ailey Company, I paid attention, and I wanted to be like that in some way. So all of that has prepared me for this moment.”
That “moment” being the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s three-night stint at the famed Fox Theater here in Atlanta. From Feb. 13 through the 16, the revered dance establishment will showcase a series of five performances in honor of the 25th season since the passing of its legendary founder Alvin Ailey.
“Mr. Ailey wanted us to be accessible,” he said of Ailey’s impact on the company’s values. “He wanted us to engage audiences and to bring dance to the world. So, the touring and ambassadorship of the company is vital to the sustainability of it.”
And exactly how much of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s schedule includes touring? The answer may surprise you.
“We hardly ever stay still,” Battle jokingly said of the company’s extensive touring schedule. “We tour more than any company in the world, and are away and on the road almost six months out of the year.”
Though their touring roster rivals those of some of the world’s most respected artistic forces, Battle considers it all just a natural part of life. Recalling his early days of being a bow-legged young dancer, the now widely respected arts figure credits it all to the universality of the dance art form.
“For me, dance is life,” he said. “I sang in the church choir, I played [the] piano, recited poetry, all of those things. But all of that seemed to lead me to dance. All of those things that I learned along the way seemed to be most useful to me as a dancer, choreographer, artistic director, and the like.”
To see the inspirational dance paragon’s work in action, be sure to purchase your student-discounted ticket for $10 on opening night. Continuing on Valentine’s Day through Feb. 16, all are encouraged to intimately witness the magnificence of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, live at the Fox Theater.
Moriba Cummings
Arts & Entertainment Editor
404-987-2830
