Super Subjects

Winter Super Subject Super Tap Newsletter

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DANCE

Ms. Debborah

You will not want to miss your chance to watch the iconic Judith Jamison perform Alvin Ailey’s Cry. In 1971 he choreographed the piece on Ms. Jamison as a birthday present for his mother and dedicated it to “all black women everywhere—especially our mothers."
In January of 1972, Ms. Jamison's legendary performance of Cry was filmed for The New York Public Library's archives, but it has not been shown online before now.
Cry premieres tonight at 7pm EDT and will be available to watch through Thursday, May 14 at 6:30pm EDT.

Why do we dance? African-American social dances started as a way for enslaved Africans to keep cultural traditions alive and retain a sense of inner freedom. They remain an affirmation of identity and independence. In this electric demonstration, packed with live performances, choreographer, educator and TED Fellow Camille A. Brown explores what happens when communities let loose and express themselves by dancing together.

As I began to develop the concept for "ink," I wanted the dancers to represent superheroes. I couldn’t figure out why I had the urge to play with this idea until I read "Question Bridge: Black Males in America." One of the men interviewed said, “I see Black people as comic book heroes because they always keep rising.” That was it! It is about showing that in our basic survival, and natural attributes we have superhuman powers. Powers to shift, overcome, transform, and persevere even within an often hostile environment. The seven sections of "ink" represent superpowers of spirituality, history and heritage, the celebration of the Black female body, Black love, brotherhood, exhaustion, and community. "Executive Producer - EVERYBODYNEEDSUS Directed By - Mayte Natalio & Gaul PoratChoreographer - Camille A. Brown