Robert Battle became Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater last year. Personally selected by Judith Jameson, he is the third Artistic Director since the dance theater was founded in 1958.
In 2005, Mr. Battle was named one of the Masters of African American Choreography by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Over the years, Mr. Battle has contributed many works to the company's repertoire, and served many terms as artist-in-residence with Mr. Ailey.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform at The Fox Theatre this week. In preparation of his Atlanta debut as the new Artistic Director, we had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Battle.
What was it like growing up, and where did you receive your training?
I grew up in a very spiritual home in a Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, FL. I was raised in the church and my mother was a very inspirational person in my life. I studied dance at a high school arts magnet program before moving on to Miami’s New World School of the Arts and from there I went on to study at The Juilliard School.
When did you realize that dance was your life?
Probably the first time I ever performed. The freedom of expression through movement and because I’d done other things like singing and playing piano, but movement seemed to fit like a glove. Seeing Revelations made me want to be a professional dancer.
Can you tell us a little about your influences?
My mother, big time. A couple of very important teachers, Alvin Ailey, Arthur Graham, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Sammie Davis Jr.—there’s so many people for different reasons, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Maya Angelou. I think the reason is because I find I can take things from all of these different people that may not even be what they do as their art form but their tenacity to do whatever they do regardless of the circumstance
How has your new role changed your life so far?
My new role has confirmed what I think I always known—that I was supposed to lead and be a visionary and try to see the big picture and I think I’ve always felt that way but I never had the platform and so this feels like everything that I’ve done until now has led me to this place where now I get the opportunity to do what’s already been in my heart which, for as long as I can remember, has been to take people along in this creative journey and inspire people.
What changes can Ailey audiences expect this year?
This year’s show will bring several new performances to Atlanta including my first commissioned piece for the Company, HOME, which was choreographed by Rennie Harris and was inspired by the stories and images of people of have been affected by or are living with HIV. The Company will also premier a modern dance masterwork by acclaimed choreographer Paul Taylor called Arden Court and a Bravura solo by myself, all culminating to performances of the timeless masterpiece by Alvin Ailey, Revelations.
I want to thank Kayla Reed for arranging this uplifting interview.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre will jeté into the Fox Theatre on Thursday, February 16, through Sunday, February 19.
Visit The Fox Theatre for performance times and ticket information, or Ticketmaster.
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