A Conversation with Robert Battle: Alvin Ailey Dance Theater

Robert Battle is one of our great American choreographers whose talent and direction in the modern dance world is infamous. Currently, the artistic director for the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre since 2011, he is the third director following Judith Jamison and prior to her, founder- Alvin Ailey who passed December 1st in 1989.

The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago will be the host for a one-week engagement of the world renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre from March 5-15. They are not a stranger to Chicago and we had a chance to talk with Battle on some of the inspirations behind the performances, what he looks for in young talent and why Chicago continues to welcome the famous dance company with open arms.

What can people expect to see from the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater during their engagement in Chicago?

RB: What's wonderful is that there's such variety. I think it really express the versatility of the dancers but the versatility of the Alvin Ailey vision to make this a great modern dance company. To express the human experience- the universality of that experience and humanity. To bring these works to Chicago feels like home to us.

Can you breakdown some of the key works that will be featured during the performances?

RB: One of the pieces that I'm excited about is called 'Odetta' because right now, it is the anniversary of the civil rights movement. The piece is very timely because it speaks to the history of African Americans and to our country. It is dedicated to the life of Odetta Holmes, who was known as the voice of the civil rights movement. Matthew Rushing is a great choreographer and dancer with the company who choreographed the piece, using several interviews and music. This message of hope reminds us of different revelations where it expresses hope through despair.

We have other works such as the 'Ostrich' dance. It's one of the first fusions of West African movements along with modern dance. For many people, it was the first time that they saw African dance. It was originally choreographed by Asadata Dafora and made in 1932. We also have work by Christopher Wheeldon who is known as a ballet choreographer. This will be the first time this particular work of his will be done by a modern dance company which is called 'After the Rain'. Other works will also include a piece by Ulysses Dove and I can go and on.

What has been some of the challengers to keep the legacy going in maintaining both established supporters and building a younger audience to embrace the art of dance?

RB: There's certainly a challenge but we have such variety. When you come to an Ailey performance- especially in Chicago, you see young, middle-age and older people. There's something for everybody and we always try to do a certain amount of community outreach to get arts and education in the schools. Social media is important because that's where the young people are- on their cell phones and facebook.

There's such vitality and fierceness from dancers and the company that young people and new audiences are attracted to that excellence. The ability for dancers to create and experience on the stage so that you don't just 'see' but you 'feel'. That is the feeling that you get when you see an Alvin Ailey performance.

Battle is proud of the talent in the company and there are three members that are from the Chicago and Indiana area dancing during the Chicago engagement. Veteran dancer and long-time member, Bernard Gilmore is a Chicago native along with Renaldo Maurice from Gary, Indiana and recent addition of Battle- Sarah Daley from Elgin, Illinois.

“They are amazing performers and dancers that have something to say. It's evident when you see them perform. Just raw, unabashed physicality through expression.” said Battle.

Throughout his career, Battle has danced with the Parsons Dance Company, founded his own Battleworks Dance Company where he received international recognition and honors on the global stage. Battle was honored as one of the “Masters of African-American Choreography” by the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts in 2005. Since then, he been awarded other prestigious honors, addressing various high profile organizations including the United Nations of Leaders Program and the UNICEF Senior Leadership Development Program.

What makes Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre consistent in bringing audiences to their shows?

“What is strange and what is beautiful about the dancers that is beyond their steps. That's what you get when you come to a performance. You get the sense that you know something about these particular dancers--expressing something about themselves through movement.”

Originally published in The Chicago Defender | March 2015