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Interview: Yannick Lebrun of ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
By: Justin Cole Adams Feb. 13, 2017
Yannick Lebrun has been involved with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for the last 13 years. Starting as a student studying under a scholarship from 2004 until 2006 until making his debut with their junior company, Ailey II, immediately after. During one of the tours, Lebrun was asked to step into Ailey's highest dance company to fill in for an injured dancer. The following season, he was made a permanent member. The drive and passion are evident in Lebrun's tone and verbiage as we chat about the man who believed that dance is for everyone and the legacy he created.
JCA: First off, let's talk about the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. We have all heard the name, we all know that there is prestige to this organization, but what is Alvin Ailey dance? What makes this brand so special?
YL: This company is so special because it's very rich in history. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is the most acclaimed modern Dance Company in the world. Alvin Ailey founded his company in 1958 because he wanted to celebrate the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance heritage. He was inspired because he grew up in Texas, in the South. This inspired him to share that and that's why we have pieces like "Revelations." They never fail to touch the audience every time. People know that these pieces have something deep, something to share. This company is also very popular because we have a very large repertoire that includes works choreographed by our founder Alvin Ailey but also works by many other choreographers.
JCA: You have been dancing in some capacity with the organization since 2004. How incredible is that for you?
YL: It's been a dream come true; growing up in French Guiana I never knew that one day I would be touring all over the world with Alvin Ailey. After 9 years, I'm now on the poster of the company which is really a big accomplishment. When your focus remains on one thing which is to join the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company, when you have this strong passion for dance and your goal is to work hard to join the company, you do everything you have to do. I started in the Ailey organization as a student and I remember waking up every morning to take class, to get better, to get stronger because I wanted to be in the junior company and because I wanted to then move up to the Dance Company. New York gets you moving, too. You do not have time to be lazy about it, and I had friends who helped me. I was very lucky to be able to adapt so quickly.
JCA: No matter what the show or tour, what should our readers expect when they see Alvin Ailey show?
YL: You expect different styles of dance but mainly you expect to see our masterpieces and ballets, like "Revelations." This season we have new works and it is so exciting to see all those different styles. When people come to see our show, they always leave the theatre feeling uplifted and feeling joy.
JCA: Alvin Ailey is focused on showing the beauty of African-American heritage and culture and, both obviously and unfortunately, there is a lot of racial tension in our country right now. Do you think that the company's shows can transform the way that we see race and the way we treat each other?
YL: Oh my goodness, of course. For generations, Alvin has showed the beauty of all cultures. We show the African-American culture but we have such a diverse cast. We have white people, Asian people, black people and all types of backgrounds. We show community, as well, and we show strong values. I think that dance is healing, dance can bring peace, and dance can save lives. People are always transformed after they come see us and it brings people together.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is touring across the nation currently. They will be in Atlanta for only six performances at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The tour will be in this location from February 15-19 and then will head to Miami. Please note that performances vary depending on the night. Click here to purchase tickets and find out more.
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