Brave Spirit!
Visionaries. They don’t come around too often. Once in a blue moon appear on the scene people who make a difference. Get set to learn all about a driving force In the world of entertainment with Ailey. Presented by Elevation Pictures watch out for this uncanny look at a one man showstopper that has opened at the Vancouver International Village Cinemas. Check your listings to make sure it is still playing before it comes out on video on demand at a little later.
Good biographies resonate. They bring to light stories ( and people) many of us have failed to hear of. To be honest I never heard of Alvin Ailey before watching this 82 minute movie. And I’ll bet others also never heard of this uncompromising artist. Now they know the man – and the story.
Blessed with a deep desire and hidden talent we see how this talented soul learned his craft at a young age In New York. Born to dance and arrange we see how a young man took to the stage and created a dance movement that stood the world on its ear. Until Ailey came around choreography was rather staid. Not any more. The Black experience broke free thanks to Ailey’s unique interpretation and style.
So impactful was Ailey to the world of dance and choreography he was awarded the highest accolade in America with a Presidential Medal as introduced by consummate actress Cicely Tyson no less at a star-studded ceremony in Washington. Always a man ready to respect others this humble giant in the uncertain world of movement gave praise to the dance students who became conduits of his dreams and spirit.
Memorable interviews on Ailey with his students and peers and the man himself give insight into this figure whose impact on choreography and Afro American expressionism can’t be denied. Director Jamila Wignot has his heart in the right place as he brings this larger than life character to life. It’s a fitting tribute to a great legacy as a show on this man so ably demonstrates(Robert Waldman).
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