Matthew Rushing was hardly idle when a torn muscle injury last summer sidelined the veteran danseur with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Matthew Rushing was hardly idle when a torn muscle injury last summer sidelined the veteran danseur with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The down time afforded him the opportunity to do two major things in his performing art career: choreograph his first solo production and pay tribute to the artist director he’s had the pleasure of working with throughout his 18 years in the dance company. This year artistic director Judith Jamison will celebrate 20 years at the helm of the revered AAADT. And to mark the occasion, Rushing will debut his celebration of the Harlem Renaissance as AAADT tours the country and stops in Chicago Wednesday through Sunday. Performances will be held at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University “I was extremely honored and very excited about doing a piece in her honor,” Rushing told the Defender. His production is called Uptown and offers “a journey through the Harlem Renaissance … through my eyes,” he said. He recalls how iconic the period is in American performing arts history and Rushing, who extols Jamison as one who “reflects excellence” and demands it from the dance company, wanted to do her and the time period proud. He combined his research with his creative talent to bring forth a production that educates, entertains and is authentic, he explained. Rushing enlisted the help of experts versed in the time period to help bring the production to life with accuracy. “I couldn’t represent this time period and not be accurate,” he said. The dancing, visual and literary artistry and, yes, the rent parties were all elements of the Harlem Renaissance that Rushing worked meticulously to represent in his production. He hired a swing dance consultant, a drama coach and got a narrator. Adding to the choreography’s authenticity, Rushing brought in a composer to help with the music. “It was very important that this music fit in within this time period,” the Los Angeles native said. Working with Jamison has been rewarding for Rushing, he said proudly, explaining that she was “the perfect director” to be a part of his career and his life. Uptown will be performed during Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday performances.
About Post Author
