Dancers warming up at the 3 kings master series

Anthony Burrell talking to the dancers, Owner of Athony Burrell Center for Dance

Creative director and choreographer, Frank Gatson

Creative director and choreographer, Chris Grant

A short time ago ATL Dance Source attended the three Kings Master Class Series held at Anthony Burrell Center for Dance. The 3-day master series was conducted by local studio owner, Anthony Burrell, creative directors and choreographers Frank Gatson and Chris Grant. If you're unfamiliar with these three talented men, please get familiar with their incredible work.

The memorable weekend was absolutely amazing. The 3-day master series consisted precisely of choreography training, industry advice, panel discussions and more. It was undoubtedly a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Atlanta dance community. Talented dancers from all over metro Atlanta and the southeast jumped at the rare chance to professionally train under these incredible men. 

Thank you, Anthony Burrell, for thoughtfully bringing Frank Gatson and Chris Grant to help shape and train the talented dancers of Atlanta. The extraordinary amount of profound wisdom, straightforward advice, and practical guidance that was graciously given the entire weekend will undoubtedly allow them to excel in the promising future. We look forward to highlighting the dynamic array of beneficial opportunity that Anthony Burrell Center for Dance will thoughtfully bring to the Atlanta dance community.

Recently ATL Dance Source attended Groove 2 Musik's presentation of COLORS held at The Windmill Arts Center. COLORS was a 2-day dance production highlighting the talented dancers, choreographers and instructors that adequately make up the company. The key concept behind COLORS was thought up by one of the co-founders of Groove 2 Musik, Mr. Gary Beauford. The show's purpose was to uniquely explore the various meanings behind primary, secondary, and intermediate colors and how those colors can evolve to signify various meanings throughout our life. 

Ballet Master, Jennifer Davis and Owner, Anthony Burrell conduct auditions

Anthony Burrell Center for Dance has officially arrived in Atlanta, Georgia. Owned by creative director, choreographer, and actor, Anthony Burrell, the local dance studio is here to make a prominent mark in Atlanta. With Anthony's unique blend of classical and commercial dance styles and extensive professional resume, he is certain to make a profound impact on the dance community in Atlanta. A distinct impact that has been long-awaited amongst technical dancers and much-needed to diversify the local dance cultural here in Atlanta. It's time for a profound change within the dance community, and we eagerly embrace the change with extended arms.

Recently, Anthony Burrell Center for Dance held auditions for their promising dance companies (pre-professional, senior, and junior companies) and local dancers in Atlanta showed up and showed out. Close to a hundred talented dancers auditioned for the future company. Trained local dancers ages 8 and up took a chance to audition for the pioneering company. Not knowing what to rightfully expect, it's refreshing to genuinely see local dancers come out to the auditions. Cheers to all the dancers who took a mighty leap in being a part of something totally new and up-and-coming in Atlanta. For any experienced dancers who unfortunately missed the auditions, no worries. A second audition will be held this Sunday, September 30th. Follow the direct link for more information. 

ATL Dance Source looks forward to simply witnessing the continual growth of Anthony Burrell Center for Dance. It's no doubt in our minds that the pioneering company will positively have a profound impact on the Atlanta dance community. Here's to a brilliant future ahead!

the g[R]ay boi premiere, Dancer | Benjamin Stevenson

Last Friday we attended the premiere of Okwae A. Miller and Artists presentation of the long-awaited the g[R]ay boi and we were absolutely blown away. Art lovers from all over Atlanta gathered together at The B Complex to see what Okawe A. Miller would unveil to the community. What he unveiled was something out of the norm, fresh, and needed in the dance community. Okwae's choreographic movement is uncomfortable yet appealing to the eye and at the same time so refreshing because it's something like no other. The dancing artists Lyrric Cosby-Jackson, Benjamin Stevenson, and Zachary Orr did an absolutely amazing job. They embodied the narrative and created words with their movement that was not only expressed outwardly but felt inwardly. All in all, we couldn't be more moved by the g[R]ay boi. Thank you Okwae and Artists for sharing this wonderful work with the Atlanta dance community. ATL Dance Source looks forward to all the amazing works you have in store for the future. Congratulations!

Check out images from the g[R]ay boi premiere and our up close interview with Okawe A. Miller exclusively on ATL Dance Source!

MSA South Dance Day, Dancers | Courtney Paige Ross and Amber Bates

This past Wednesday ATL Dance Source covered the MSA South one year Anniversary Dance Day at UED Studios. It was an unforgettable day filled with workshops, showcases and ended with a wonderful meet and greet social at The Sage Woodfire Tavern in Buckhead. Even though the MSA Talent Agency is new to the Atlanta area, MSA has been around for years and has made a mark as one of the most elite talent agency's and represents some of the most amazing clients in the industry. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to meet some of the wonderful dancers represented by MSA South, watch them dance, and everyone was absolutely wonderful. We look forward to seeing all the great things the dancers have in store. We also had the opportunity to meet the Co-Founder of MSA, Tony Selznick and Director of MSA LA & NYC, JC Guiterrez, who are absolutely amazing. Tony and JC sat down with us for an interview and shared with us how the company has great plans for the south branch and how they look forward to doing great things for their clients and future clients in Atlanta. Look out for the full interview and our recap of MSA South Dance Day coming soon. Congratulations Toni Thomas (MSA South owner) and here's to an amazing one year anniversary! We can't wait to see all the wonderful things MSA South has in store!

Carnival Atlanta, Dancers | Brooke Bowe, Naeemah Mccowan, Anthony "Redd" Williams

It's a great time to be living in the city of Atlanta! The entertainment industry is on the rise and doors of opportunity are opening up all over. With the premiere of Step Up: High Water on YouTube Red, people from all over are getting a taste of the amazing talent we have here in the south. For those who live here it comes as no surprise, but to the world, we say welcome to Atlanta! 

Ayo and Teo are just a few people who showed the world just how the Atlanta dance scene gets down! Oh, there are many more! 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre with Artistic Director Robert Battle. Photo by Andrew Eccles

The Ailey Experience 2016 at the Atlanta Ballet, February 6, 2016

Lisa Johnson-Willingham (Director of The Ailey Extension) and Brittnee Buley (Founder of ATL Dance Source)

Lisa Johnson-Willingham, Director of The Ailey Extension, shares her thoughts about continuing the legacy of Alvin Ailey 

Sometimes in life you come across people who are simply destined to make an impact on the world. People who are meant to leave an everlasting impression that will shape the next generation of creative minds. That’s exactly how you can personify the life of Lisa Johnson-Willingham. Lisa is the Director of The Ailey Extension, a program designed to make dance accessible to everyone and carry on Ailey’s legacy that dance comes from people and should be given back to the people. In efforts to keep Ailey’s legacy alive, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre along with Lisa Johnson-Willingham have taken things one step further with the implementation of The Ailey Experience. The Ailey Experience gives dancers from around the world the opportunity to train and perform in a variety of techniques, while introducing them to an exciting world of choreography, creativity and fun in a non-competitive environment. By keeping Ailey’s purpose at the forefront, Lisa Johnson-Willingham is the perfect person to lead the Ailey Experience and carry on Alvin Ailey’s historical vision of diversity within the dance community. Lisa’s passion for the company permeates through her spirit and the love that she holds for the company exudes through her movement as she makes an impact on dancers all over the world.

While traveling to Atlanta for The Ailey Experience 2016, we had the opportunity to sit down with Lisa to discuss her journey with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, as well as her plans for the future with the company.

As director of The Ailey Extension, what are your goals for the program in the coming years?

Lisa Johnson-Willingham: My program is real classes’ for real people. In 2005, Ailey opened its doors to the general public to expand on Mr. Ailey’s legacy of bringing dance to the people. That’s my goal, again to always remain on our mission to bring dance to the people and to make dance accessible to all people. We’ve created so many different programs, including developing dance classes. We have over 80 classes a week and 23 different techniques. Last April we launched the Ailey bar class. We also have workshops and masterclasses. This year we launched a new panel discussion, which we had on Mr. Ailey’s would have been 85th birthday. We had the legendary Judith Jamison, Sylvia Water and Donna Wood speak in honoring and celebrating Alvin’s birthday. They shared their personal stories about Alvin and experience being an Ailey dancer. It was amazing! Again my goal is to try to reach as many of our world family and teach the history and legacy of Alvin Ailey while sharing the love of dance to everyone.

After being a member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater for six years, how do you think your time in the company help prepare you for your role as director of The Ailey Extension?

Lisa: As a company member, you have Judith Jamison as your director. I watched, learned a lot and it prepare me because of the legacy of the company. As a young inspiring dancer I learned all about the Ailey Company. I was a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, so of course from my humble beginnings I was taught about Alvin Ailey and his legacy. Once I became a member of the company, I watched Judith Jamison lead the company with so much success, elegance and passion. Based on her relationship with Alvin Ailey it was definitely helpful and inspired me to want to become a leader and to share in his legacy. Also I was the director for Ailey camp Chicago for 10 years, so that prepared me for the Ailey Extension.  

With the return of The Ailey Experience to Atlanta, how does Atlanta dancer stand out from other cities?

Lisa: I just have fun with Atlanta dancers. They come ready! They have a little flavor. A little southern flavor. They know a lot about the company. I think the connection of the Ailey Company in Atlanta is a very great relationship. They come open to learning more about the Ailey organization and learning Revelations, which I’m sure they’ve seen several times.

We know you use to dance with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, what are your thoughts on their recent expansion to Atlanta?

Lisa: Congratulations to Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden. I think it’s a great move for the organization and the company. Of course Desmond and Dwight have a relationship with Alvin Ailey. They were former members of the company. They’re both legends in the dance world. I think Complexions is a perfect fit for Atlanta and I believe they will bring a really special program to the city.

Lisa Johnson-Willingham, when did you fall in love with dance?

Lisa: I think I was dancing out of my mom’s womb. I was born to dance! I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. Dance to me is a part of who I am. I didn’t have to fall in love with dance. It was already there. It was a part of my DNA.

What advice can you give someone pursuing a career as a professional dancer?

Lisa: Perseverance and steadfast! Stay on that road and get through those obstacles. Try not to put yourself in a box. Learn everything you can about dance and make connections while you are in college to prepare yourself for the real world. Don't allow anyone else to put you in a box. You have to love it!

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in Robert Battles Awakening. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

On Friday evening of February 12, 2016, we had the opportunity to attend the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater performance at the magical Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta. We were absolutely blown away by the company’s performance. Every year the company has the ability to plateau to another level of creative movement. From the breathe taking techniques to the vivid inventive illustrations, Robert Battle and the dance company never fails to experiment outside of the box, while at the same time keeping the essence of Alvin Ailey’s historical aesthetic and diversity among the dance works.

After sitting in on The Ailey Experience and attending the company’s performance at the Fox, there’s no surprise why Ailey’s legacy lives on all over the world. And with amazing people like Lisa Johnson-Willingham caring Alvin Ailey’s torch, the company will forever influence the next generation of dancers and make an impact on the dance community.

Desmond Richardson, Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet 

Desmond Richardson, Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, shares his thoughts on the expansion to Atlanta

Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Complexions) celebrates the kick off of the company's 21st season with the roll out of the first phase of theBEYOND 20 campaign, a strategic long term plan for the company’s growth on a national scale. As part of this plan, Complexions is proud to announce its expansion outside of its home in New York City with the opening of a new office in Atlanta to bring its unique form of multicultural inspired dance to broader audiences nationwide. In commemoration of its new presence in Atlanta, the company will be hosting one of its famous Complexions’ dance intensives at the Infinite Energy Forum from December 26-30. Following the intensive, there will be a full performance on December 30 at 7:30 PM in the Infinite Energy Theater (formerly the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center) as a part of the company’s 2015-2016 season. 

What made Atlanta a priority for expansion?

What made Atlanta a priority to expand for Complexions was the continued reference from many friends and family members asking us to consider Atlanta as a destination for Complexions and to envision this area as part of our growth and expansion, as we had been looking across the nation for a new physical home base.

Since the company has expanded to Atlanta, how will the company begin to make its mark in the entertainment hub?

Complexions will make its mark within the entertainment hub by continuing to tour nationally and internationally, collaborating with formidable arts organizations in Atlanta from the world of stage, film and television and exposing the world to the wealth of talent coming out of the southern region.

The company has been influential all over the world, what can the new season bring to the Atlanta area?

The new season for Complexions -Beyond20 brings to Atlanta our unique brand that is visceral in approach, sculptural in design and thought provoking, passionate dancing that we are hopeful will leave the audience wanting more.

The inaugural performance is only two weeks away, what can the metro Atlanta fans expect?

Metro Atlanta fans can expect the unexpected .

Come with a clear palate so that we can transport you into our world then you can share your experience with others who may not have encountered us just yet.

From an Atlanta view point, what can we expect from Complexions in the coming years?

With the help of the community within the coming years you will see the Complexions Academy come to fruition where dancers will learn our world renowned techniques and style. We also have plans to open a junior company to foster young talent that needs grooming before entering the main company. We will also establish educational programs and alliances with important universities in Atlanta that will help grow those dancers and assist them in achieving their academic goals as well their artistic ones.The ground is fertile and we at Complexions Contemporary Ballet are sowing the seeds now to be yet another arts organization Atlantans can embrace and call their own.

Courtesy of Complexions Contemporary ballet

On a program consisting of four premieres, Complexions continues to lead the way with its unprecedented approach to contemporary ballet. For its inaugural season in Atlanta, the company will premiere STRUM, a world premiere set to the famous songs of Metallica; BALLAD UNTO… a work about unrequited love set to Johann Sebastian Bach’s Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, and Partita #2 - Chaconne; CRYIN’ TO CRY OUT an excerpt inspired by the legendary voice and lyrics of famed Jazz singer Jimmy Scott; and the debut of the company’s Icon Series, an annual new piece dedicated to the artists that continually inspire Complexions. This season, the company pays tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou in a new work, IMPRINT/MAYA featuring a solo performance by Complexions’ own Desmond Richardson. In addition to these new works the company will also include various pieces from the company's 20-year history. Detailed information on these works is below.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via phone at (770) 626-2464 or online at http://www.infiniteenergycenter.com.

The Infinite Energy Theater is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30097. 

For information on Complexions’ dance intensives, please visit: http://www.complexionsintensives.com/.