Americans have become more familiar with dance through television shows like So You Think You Can Dance? and Dancing with the Stars. Have we as a country, though, truly expanded our reverence of dance as a cultural institution, giving it the respect it deserves?
Today (Sept. 7), The White House Dance Series: A Tribute to Judith Jamison, will kick-off in the East Room. Jamison, who is the artistic director at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will be honored for decades of leadership in the dance community.
By bringing dance events and education to the White House, Michelle Obama’s series could be the first step in raising dance to the cultural status seen throughout Europe (especially in Russia) and many other countries around the world –– an institution of national pride.
Dance combines the best of art and athleticism. It’s a labor of love, but blood, sweat and tears are often met with little or no funding. Many companies fight an ongoing financial battle to bring their soul to the stage. What this art form needs is money, but high-profile recognition never hurts.
“I’m so happy to be living in an era with a First Lady who understands that, just as the White House is the People’s House, the arts too, are for everyone,” said Jamison in a press release. “As Alvin Ailey always said, ‘Dance came from the people, and should always be delivered back to the people!’ What is most meaningful is that Mrs. Obama chose to honor not only me, but to recognize what is truly one of our greatest cultural expressions and treasures; dance. I’m filled with pride at this moment.”
In addition to Alvin Ailey, other companies attending include: Paul Taylor Dance Company, New York City Ballet, Broadway’s Billy Elliot The Musical, the Washington Ballet and from Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew: Super Cr3w.
In a program created by former NYC Ballet principal dancer Damian Woetzel, each company will host workshops and classes for students brought in from around the country, followed by Jamison’s tribute event. Imagine having the opportunity to not only learn from the best of the best, but to do so while in the White House. Now that will send a young dancer spinning. There has been no word from the First Lady as to any future events as of yet. Hopefully, the tradition will continue and the wonderful world of dance will have another platform through which it can grow and flourish.
In the meantime, a great way to support the arts is to start hitting up local events around your town. Most cities have community theater and ballet or modern companies. These small organizations, especially, need all the financial support they can get through ticket sales and sponsorships. Colleges and universities, too, have numerous programs that can greatly benefit from community support, even if it’s just spreading the word about how much you enjoy the show.
Photo by fd via Flickr.