Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is woven into the fabric of Newark — dancing at NJPAC’s opening night 26 years ago, and returning every year since. Each performance reveals new layers, new depth and new meaning, which is why so many return again and again for this Mother’s Day Weekend tradition.
WBGO's Doug Doyle spoke with AAADT's Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing and internationally-known choreographer Amy Hall Garner about this weekend ballets.
Matthew Rushing is thrilled to be leading the company.....
"It's been great. It's a rollercoaster with a lot of highs and challenges. I'm learning a lot in the midst of leading which can be a challenge. One of the most exciting things I feel like I'm experiencing is the responsibility of extending and continuing Mr. Ailey's legacy. That means so much to me."
Rushing has been in charge of AAADT since November of 2023, when Artistic Director Robert Battle stepped down for health reasons. Matthew remembers when he was first exposed to the work of Alvin Ailey.
"He and his vision was the reason that I decided to become a dancing artist. If it wasn't for his vision, I don't feel I would have been seen in a way that I was seen. I don't think I would have had the confidence or the resources to become the artist that I am now, especially being in the position that I'm in right now. My first exposure to Mr. Ailey and the Ailey company was in LA in the Wiltern Theatre. I had no prior experience to concert dance. I didn't know what it was, but what I left was being affirmed as a young Black man in knowing and realizing that my life experiences would be articulated through dance on a concert stage. That was life-changing."
Part of Saturday's lineup will be Amy Hall Garner's CENTURY. The choreographer based in New York City has been creating works in the ballet, modern and theatrical genres. Working with AAADT's company is a dream come true for her. CENTURY, tribute to Amy's 100-year old grandfather, has been wowing audiences.
"This piece has gone over and beyond my expectations. It has created so much joy in my life but my family's life. What I'm hearing as the Ailey company tours that it's giving a lot of joy to the audiences who see it. I created this wonderful work in honor of the celebration of my grandfather's life, a gift he doesn't have. Many people don't have a ballet choreographed for them. I wanted to create something he would love. My grandfather and I talked about the different kinds of music he liked and we had wonderful conversations about this piece. Some of those conversations are actually in the piece."
You can SEE my entire interview with Amy Hall Garner and Matthew Rushing here.
Full program details (subject to change):
Friday May 10 – 8pm
Me Myself and You
Solo
Survivors
Revelations
Saturday May 11 at 8pm
Following Subtle Current Upstream
CENTURY
Revelations
May 12 at 3pm
Me Myself and You
Solo
Survivors
Revelations
