The significance of dancing in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performance of “r-Evolution, Dream,” in Atlanta is not lost on Matthew Rushing.
The renowned dance company is currently in the hometown of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
The tour, which runs through Sunday, is also happening as the nation prepares to observe the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination in Memphis.
In fact, Friday’s show - “MLK50: Celebrating the Legacy” - at the Fox Theatre is dedicated to King.
“Dr. King is a man that I have admired for years and it’s not just because of what he did for us socially and our civil rights, but it’s also he was a man of faith and he practiced what he preached in all different ways,” said Rushing, Ailey’s rehearsal director and guest artist.
“ r-Evolution, Dream,” was choreographed by dancer Hope Boykin and inspired by King’s sermons and speeches.
Rushing plays the role of King in the piece and it’s one of the few performances in which he still dances.
To have that opporunity to portray the essence of King - who he is and his spirit - and to celebrate the civil rights leader is important to him.
Especially during these current times, which has witnessed an increase in hate rhetoric and political, religious and social divisiveness.
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“I’m learning the importance , one, of legacy and also, two, the role artists play in preserving legacy. It’s not just preserved in the classroom or in the library or online...It’s something different when you come to the theater and you experience legacy. You get to learn, be reminded of, be encouraged, be educated...so I think it’s incredibly imporant that we’re doing this piece at this time.”
There are 15 dancers in the piece. Boykin, he said, there is one sermon that was, perhaps, the key inspiration was “Drum Major Instinct,” was King delivered from the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church on Feb. 4, 1968, two months before his assassination.
The cadence of the speech was taken into consideration in the way music is used as well as the choreography.
Ali Jackson composed the score, which also reflects King’s cadence.
“It’s incredibly special that it’s a jazz score, considering that jazz is coming directly from the African-American tradition,” Rushing said.
Event Preview:
The show will be held at the Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St N.E.
404- 881-2100
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