Previews: ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER RETURNS... at Belk Theater

TWO ALVIN AILEY DANCERS...RETURNING HOME TO THEIR ROOTS!

"There's No Place Like Home!" Many of us are familiar with this popular catch phrase as spoken by Judy Garland, in her role as Dorothy, in one of my childhood favorite movie, The Wizard Of Oz, as she clicked her heels and dreamed of her return to Kansas. This phrase could equally express the sentiments of two Charlotte natives, Constance Stamatiou and Jacquelin Harris, two talented dancers with the historic and legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Both ladies will grace the stage of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center's Belk Theater this Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22, with featured performances. The Alvin Ailey dancers have not performed in Charlotte since the pandemic, so they are ecstatic to be back home again.

Established on March 30, 1958, by multi-talented dancer, director, choreographer and activist, Alvin Ailey, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is widely recognized as one of the world's premiere dance companies. For its 50th anniversary, on July 15, 2008, it was the recipient of The National Medal of Arts and is recognized by the U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World". Before his untimely death in 1989, Mr. Ailey appointed Ms. Judith Jamison as his successor. She was the driving force for over twenty years. Currently, the artistic director is Robert Battle. Through their artistic direction, Mr. Ailey's dream lives on though passionate dancers such as Constance and Jacquelin.

Constance Stamatiou began her dance career at Pat Hall Dance Unlimited. She trained and competed in tap, ballet, jazz, and gymnastic under the direction of Salvatore Aiello. Her mother wanted her to explore a more classical route, so she transferred to Carolina Dance Theater which is currently called Charlotte Ballet. During middle and high school, Constance attended Northwest School of The Arts. She also became a competitive gymnast at International Gymnastic Center. Constance grew up in an interracial family. Her mom, Barbara Stamatiou is African American and her Dad, Constantine Stamatiou, is Greek. It was vital for Constance to have deep roots in both cultures, so she spent time attending Greek festivals (we both discussed how good the food is at those festivals) and she attended an African American church, First Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Jacquelin Harris was raised in North Charlotte. She began dancing when she was two years old. Her dance training began at Dance Production School Of The Performing Arts, under the direction of Lori Long. Jacquelin trained and competed in tap, hip-hop, ballet, and jazz. She also attended and trained in dance at Cannon School, in Concord, NC. Her parents are Dr. Harvey and Peggy Harris. She has three equally talented sisters...Rachel, Kathryn, and Victoria. Jacquelin is a member of First Baptist Church-West. In 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting her at a retreat at Lake Junaluska. sponsored by First Baptist Church-West's Youth Department, where I was an invited guest facilitator. At the retreat, Jacquelin instructed a dance class - she was already destined to be a professional dancer.

My interview with these two remarkable ladies was so enlightening, I made it my business to share as much of their original statements as I possibly could. Let's Go!

Me: With February being Black History Month - how important is it to be a member of such an historical dance theater as The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater?

Constance: I have nothing but respect and gratitude for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Personally, growing up in the 80s here in Charlotte, I always felt like the token Black child in my dance group or gymnastic class. So when I arrived at The Ailey School and saw so many dancers like me, I was so blown away. Representation is everything to me. Being a mother of two children, I feel so blessed to show them that there are Black dancers. To be a part of Mr. Ailey's legacy, which was born out of the civil rights movement, is just EVERYTHING to me! It is so powerful the way that he used his voice...his movement...his choreography as his way of speaking about inequality and also using his blood memories. It is really an honor to be here. That's why I enjoy his work so much because it is relatable.

Jacquelin: I agree! Similarly, I attended a predominately White high school and a predominantly white dance institution. I knew I loved dance and that there was a lot of purpose in it, and I knew that it was very powerful. But, it wasn't until I saw the Alvin Ailey company...in it I saw my roots in the Baptist church, I saw my roots in the South, and I saw the resilience that I feel at home every single day through my parents, (who are incredibly strong) expressed on the stage in a way that I never seen it before. That was the first time I really understood the purpose and the power of my culture and my heritage. We live it every day. We are surrounded by it every day! But seeing it on the BIG STAGE, seeing the impact it had on every audience member and to be a part of that impact, was unbelievable. Two weeks ago, we were at the White House performing. This company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a huge representation of not only our history as African Americans, but American history. And to see that being celebrated and honored is so purposeful and powerful. Every work that we do in this company is intentional, purposeful, and powerful. To use our art and dance to be so demonstrative and intentional about what we are trying to say every single time is a blessing.

Me: Most fans of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are familiar with the name Judith Jamison, who Mr. Ailey's appointed artistic director from 1989-2011. Constance, I understand that you have personal history with Ms. Jamison and that the two of you did a Ted Talk together. Tell me about that experience.

Constance: In 2007, I was hired by Ms. Jamison. It will always be a cherished experience for me. I will never forget how she instilled that "good fear" in you. She was Mr. Ailey's muse and I remembered at that time it was only three girls being hired and one girl had already been hired. I remember feeling sick to my stomach (nervous). It was a two-day audition. I remember on that second day she walked up to me and said, "Welcome to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater." I just cried. She is such a great mentor; she pulls out the best in you. I learned and grew at a rapid rate. Ms. Jamison expected a lot because she cared about Mr. Ailey's legacy. She's like a mother, so loving and nurturing, and wants you to dance from the soul. From time-to-time, she still comes in to surprise us and work with the ladies on the dance choreography for Cry, which was dedicated to Mr. Ailey's mother by him as a birthday gift. Being able to do the Ted Talk with her...I was on cloud nine.

Me: Jacquelin, I read that in 2016, you were named one of "25 to Watch" by Dance Magazine. How did it feel to be bestowed that honor?

Jacquelin: It's beautiful to be recognized and to know that the work that we put into this dance thing, which is not easy, is being celebrated and honored. I can't put into words what that feel like. We work very hard and we are opening our hearts and spirits up on stage to share with the audience. To see people honor that...I'm grateful. I just want to have a good time, to enjoy myself. I want to soak up every opportunity to be on stage and I want to do it with care. To be notice for that...I am so grateful.

Me: Constance, you have been on "So You Think You Can Dance?" and you also performed on "Dancing With The Stars". What did those opportunities mean to you?

Constance: It is such a blessing. Growing up here in Charlotte, I never imagined where my love of dance would have taken me. Once I arrived at Ailey, I didn't even realize where Ailey was going to take me. To be able to perform on shows that I enjoy watching like Dancing With The Stars was exciting. At the time, we were celebrating 50 years of this organization, celebrating the fact that Mr. Ailey's legacy was still alive - that's so amazing to be a part of that honor. And to be representation for dancers who feel like or may have felt like I did when I was a kid - who are now able to see their likeness on stage and television - I am willing to do that at any time. As Jacquelin stated, two weeks ago, we performed at the White House. And to say that you have performed for two presidents (Obama and Biden) and to be at this grand establishment (The White House) that our ancestors built...is a memory I will always cherish.

Me: Jacquelin, you are the poster child for the 2022-2023 series. How does it feel to see your poster everywhere - even as the headline for this article?

Jacquelin: Growing up here and doing competition dance, I would have never imagined that my family and friends would be able to see me and recognize me on these posters representing this great organization with so much history and legacy. It's unimaginable! We were just in Washington, DC seeing the Alvin Ailey exhibit at the National Museum of African American History And Culture. Understanding what a grand scale this organization is on was amazing. Then, going to the theater seeing my likeness on the poster in connection and recognition with that was so powerful. This art and this organization really goes beyond your imagination of what you can accomplish as a human being or the opportunities that you think you might be able to hold for a lifetime. I'll cherish that forever. I'm hoarding these poster so that I can give them to my family for years down the line.

Me: Let's talk about this opportunity...you're HOME now and you both are performing dance pieces. How do you feel about being able to be home and to perform before your family, mentors, and friends?

Constance: I am performing two dances by Mr. Ailey: Night Creature on Tuesday and Survivor on Wednesday which has not been performed since the late 60s. It is about Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Performing at home is everything to me. It feels like I'm graduating again or something. It's a celebration, a homecoming! It's special because I can say..."Look Mom (Barbara) and Dad (Constantine) at what you gave me as a child. Look how I fell in love with it and now I'm doing it for a living." It's my way of showing gratitude towards them.

Jacquelin: When we were driving last night, when we pulled into Charlotte, Constance and I looked at each other and said, "We're home!" It feels like such a homecoming. And I know for me on Tuesday to perform my very first "Cry" in front of my mom (Peggy) to celebrate her for being a person of resilience and strength and to honor her on the big stage with a solo dance piece that was created by Mr. Ailey for his mother and for Black mothers, is very exciting. I have so much gratitude for her!

Me: Any last words you would like to say to those who may be attending:

Constance: Just that we would appreciate any and all support. Come and get your spirits lifted and have a great time with us!

Jacquelin: There is something for everyone to enjoy. The music is going to be really good. Ending with the infamous dance presentation Revelations, written by Mr. Ailey, brings it home to our Southern culture, which we always enjoy.

Me: I want to end by saying "Happy Birthday" to Constance's daughter, Savannah, who will be 11-years old tomorrow, February 21, opening night. Also, I echo these ladies' sentiment, come out and support this great momentous occasion. As they both have said, it's a homecoming. I am sure the local natives will be in attendance in full force in support of these two talented dancers who have excelled beyond their wildest dream in a historic dance company that is held in high esteem both nationally and internationally. Having performed in 71 countries, on 6 continents, for an estimated 25 million people worldwide, it behooves you to add to that history by seeing this performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater...welcoming home Constance and Jacquelin. We ae so proud of you.

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