My Revelations

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

I reckon it was my fourth-grade self that was first inspired by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, from a PBS broadcast. So much so inspired, that when a local talent show was announced, I thought it wise to exercise my creative dance skills for display. Except when my mother saw my rehearsal performance, she thought otherwise. I sang a song instead. 

Fast forward years into this journey, and by some divine confluence of events, MSC OPAS presented Alvin Ailey on the campus of Texas A&M University. It would be the first of many times I’d see the troupe perform live. What struck me most was the grace and elegance of the dancers; the sheer enthusiasm and joy their bodies communicated. I can’t recall exactly what the repertoire was that evening, except at evening’s end, when ‘Revelations’ was presented, I sat on the edge of my seat anticipating a move of God. Because all those years ago it was ‘Revelations’ that I found most inspiring. I remember being powerfully moved by the duet Fix Me Jesus. Somewhere in my adolescent thoughts I recognized a queer (different) spirit coursing through my body. By the time of the solo piece I Wanna Be Ready, I had realized the mixed metaphors of the art. I had to know more about the creator. So, I went home and researched the person Alvin Ailey. Godincidence: We shared a kinship that bridged several identities.

It was years later-- 1999 I think-- and I had just begun a consulting gig at The Kennedy Center. Our makeshift office (The Banana Room) was located just down the hall from the dance rehearsal studios, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater had come to Washington, D.C. for their annual residency. One day, on break to get cookies from the downstairs canteen, I ran into artistic director Judith Jamison. I told her of the great impact Ailey had on me, and I’m guessing I thanked her for her commitment to the art. She asked if I would be attending a performance during the week. My reply was that I simply didn’t have the resources to sacrifice. She said, “give me your name and I’ll leave tickets for you to Saturday’s matinee performance.” Her word was her bond, and I enjoyed a stellar performance from box seats in the Kennedy Center Opera House. I was forever endeared to “Aunt Judy” for showing unmerited generosity and compassion to an undeserving country-boy.

In June 2016, while in New York for weekend respite, I learned that Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was performing at the nearby Lincoln Center. With great haste, I secured tickets to the evening’s performance. As usual, there was a great enthusiasm among the audience prior to the start of the show. I took my seat in the orchestra level, looked forward toward the stage, and there three or four rows in front of me was Aunt Judy. I debated whether to bother her because curtain was quickly approaching. Yet with a fearless attitude I approached, introduced myself, and again thanked her for the affinity she sowed all those years ago. She was gracious and thanked me for my continued patronage.

All of this is yet another “revelation” of how God moves in mysterious ways!