Robert Battle: New Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey Dance Company Continues the Legacy of a Legend in Atlanta

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As we prepare to celebrate the amazing contributions of African Americans during Black History Month, we tend to focus on freedom fighters like Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and Sojourner Truth. Freedom fighters come in many forms, from poets to musicians to dancers.

Alvin Ailey, one of the world’s most prolific and admired choreographers would change the face of dance forever and secure a place in history. Growing up at a time when racism was rampant, Ailey performed both on and off Broadway, choreographed several acclaimed pieces, and led a dance company to international fame. Founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), Ailey sought to share powerful and meaningful stories through dance, and newly appointed artistic director Robert Battle plans to continue that legacy.

Named as the successor to Judith Jamison in May 2010, Battle will begin his appointment on July 1, just in time for the company’s Moscow tour. Like Ailey, Battle comes from humble beginnings and began dancing in high school. A school trip to see the AAADT perform “Revelations” would be life-changing for Battle. “It was just incredible and it left such an impression on me. Something about seeing it live was so moving,” he recalls.


Battle was so impacted by the production that he relocated to New York City after receiving a full scholarship to Julliard in 1990. During his summers at Julliard, Battle attended dance class at Alvin Ailey, never dreaming that one day he would be their newest director.

Battle has created several signature dance pieces for the company.  “I plan to nurture and address the problems for the next generation of creative people so we can keep the dream alive and keep doing what was done for me when I was a young person sitting in that audience. The road map is very clear. I have to follow the road map and keep the audience engaged,” says Battle.


The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will appear in Atlanta Feb. 10 through 13 at the Fox Theater. The company will perform five pieces, Battle’s “The Hunt,” “Anointed,” “Cry,” “Three Black Kings” and its masterpiece classic, “Revelations.” –amyr heard

For more, visit www.alvinailey.org/atlanta.

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