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Once Again, It's Time for A Dance Revolution

 The world of dance is approaching the height of an Arts era that has not been experienced since the very fresh arrival of Mikhail Baryshnikov's beauty and brilliance on United States soil. Just reading about the times and the likes of him, Judith Jamison and even others before them; I become inspired all over again. It's really such a wonderful way to imagine dancing, in a world that has no choice but to welcome dance's force and impact, through the lens of brilliant artists who took a chance on themselves for the love of the art. It was brave! Those historic moments took the world, various industries alike, by storm. And for the first time ever, I am over the moon with excitement that a time such as that has come around again.  I never knew what I was waiting on. Beyond the work I've done, classes I've taken, shows I've performed in, there came a point where I wanted something to change. I wanted more. Then, suddenly, I knew something was brewing but couldn...
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How Troy Powell Helped My Confidence

 The other day while listening to Candace Owens, she made a bold statement. Alongside her comical delivery of timely truths she adds that she still enjoys R.Kelly's music. Candace then posed the question, should you separate the art from the artist to which she replied, "I do." 

People may make decisions in life that are unacceptable to society and in the long run, perhaps even themselves. Do those decisions now erase the impact and caliber of their art? I don't think it does. I agree with Candace. Separating the art from the artist in the event of unfortunate behavior is appropriate. 

In 2020 various dancers took to social media the sexual misconduct of a famous dance director. I can remember being shocked to learn the information that had stormed both Instagram and TikTok. Though many other allegations like those brought against Troy Powell, have been brought against other directors, his situation made me look differently. To echo Owens, The art should not be thrown away with the artist. Absolutely not.

January 1, 2018 at 7 Stages Theater my then college dance professor taught me a solo the morning of our Summer Intensive Showcase. In less than 30 minutes he put together choreography mixed with my improvisational liberty. Moments before curtain one of my classmates said to us backstage, “Guess who is in the audience?”. It was Mr. Troy Powell. I became excited! The then director of Ailey’s second company was at our Winter performance and he’d get to see me in various group numbers, partnering and in a solo. That evening meant a lot to me because of what Troy Powell meant to dance. I still remember being on stage seeing him in the lower section of the theater’s seating. Years later in Philadelphia he would take that same “lifted” position and regal aura as he watched me dance across the floor, as I took cues from Mr. Hinton Battle. Troy Powell has a distinct place in my memory of the things that helped push me along as an artist. Indeed, the art still stands even when the person stumbles. 

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