The Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation has chosen the man in charge of its fund-raising, marketing and public relations to become its next executive director, the foundation said on Tuesday. He is Bennett Rink, who joined Ailey in 1994 as special-events manager and rose to become senior director of development and external affairs.
"I feel like I'm leaving my child!" calls out Dwana Smalwood, as the studio door clicks shut behind her. She feigns a weeping expression - wide eyes glancing backward, lithe arms gesturing loningly - then lets out a self-effacing laugh, knowing she'll be back right after lunch.
For six weeks this summer, more than 100 city kids will learn dance techniques in Washington Heights from some of the best trained dancers in the country. AileyCamp, a program of the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, kicked off last week, transforming IS 90 into a dancer's playground.
At the opening night of Ailey II's New York season in April, the last under Sylvia Waters' direction, the house was full of tears, cheers, and - before any dancing had even occured - a standing ovation.
Somewhere near the top of the modern-dance family tree, where the foliage is plentiful, you'll find Sylvia Waters. This season after 38 years on the job, Ms. Waters will step down as artistic director of Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where her main triumph has been to cultivate dancers and nurture their inner stars.
Iconic dancer/choreographer Judith Jamison, a Philadelphia native and the former artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of four renowned leaders and achievers being honored for their lifetime accomplishments with the 33rd annual Common Wealth Awards of Distinguished Service.
Life is about to change for Sylvia Waters. In June, the artistic director for the Ailey II Dance Company will retire from the company of young dancers she has led for nearly four decades.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater hosted its 13th annual opening night gala benefit at the Kennedy Center Tuesday night. Proceeds from the event, which drew politicians and business leaders, will fund scholarships to the Ailey School.
The executive director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation will step down in 2013, ending a 16-year run in which she oversaw significant growth, the organization said Wednesday.
Sylvia Waters had no intention of leading a dance company but the legendary Alvin Ailey saw a passion in her that he would not allow the world to pass by. Some 35 years ago, the late American choreographer and activist invited Waters to launch Ailey II — the junior company to his school and it has since has grown into an international success story.