It is now a ritual for me to teach class at @metopera to our full cast on the first day we all come together in the spirit of community. @metoperachorus @metoperaactors @metoperaballet Singers, actors, stilt walkers, and dancers are all contributing to this opera so the goal is always for everyone to function as one unit. There’s a lot of pressure to get a show with over 80 people on its feet in a short amount of time, but in the midst of that, we always have to remember JOY. I don’t teach often, but when I do, we gotta have fun! Shout out to Jaylen K. Petinuad @jaylennn___ on drums and Brian Fitzsousa @fitzsousa on piano! Catch @terence_blanchard Champion, opening April 10th! Director: James Robinson Conductor: @nezetseguin Associate Choreographer: @rickeytripp Assistant Choreographer: @maleek_washington Assistant Directors: Eric Sean Fogel, Allison Pogorelc, Melanie Bacaliny, Kimille Howard, Michelle Cuizan (Directing Fellow) Stage managers: Yasmin Kiss, Cristy Langen, Terry Ganley, Connie Grubs Set Design: Allen Moyer Lighting Design: Donald Holder Projection Design: Greg Emetaz Chorus Master: Donald Palumbo Musical preparation: Caren Levin, Bryan Wagorn, Bénédicte Jourdois, Katelan Tràn Terrell, William Long, Kensho Wantanabe Boxing specialist: Michael Bentt Fight Director: Chris Dumont Dramaturg: Paul Cremo Promoter: Caren Levine Pianist: Bryan Wagorn, Bénédicte Jourdois, Katelan Tràn Terrell Diction Coach: Lynn Baker Intimacy Directors: Doug Scholz-Carlson and Katherine Carter
Congratulations to the class of 2023!!! A very special shout out to the students of @uncsa and @drewuniversity . I had the pleasure of being the commencement speaker for both institutions. I am also extremely honored to receive Honorary Doctorates from both schools! An Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts from UNCSA and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Drew University. THANK YOU to UNCSA (my Alma Mater- full circle!!) and Drew University for the love and support you’ve given me over the past 2 weekends!!! Special thanks to Chancellor Brian Cole, Endalyn Taylor (Dean of Dance), Ralph Womble, Provost Patrick Sims, Lissy Garrison of UNCSA, and President Thomas Schwarz, Vice President for University Advancement, Bret Silver, Director and Assistant Professor of Dance in the Theatre and Dance Department, @kimani0402 of Drew University. It was a special treat to share these experiences with my mom and dad🤎 To support what I wanted to share and to make this experience a community engagement with the students, I reached out to the classes and asked them to share questions about navigating life after graduation. I wanted my speeches to be guided by them, to help them maybe overcome their fears, and live out their hopes and dreams. I’ve always been afraid to speak in public because my voice sounded different from everyone else’s. I would get teased and mimicked when I was younger. Because of that, public speaking has always been very scary. So THANK YOU to both institutions for giving me an opportunity to push through the fear and to grow! To the class of 2023, KEEP MOVING FORWARD AND BE BRAVE!!!!! Shout out to @domorisseau and @salamishah who received Honorary Doctorates from the University of Michigan and Moore College of Art & Design respectively. And @herenowdance who graduated from NYU Silver School of Social Work. MSW. Styled by @jakesokoloff Photos by UNCSA and Drew University
Congratulations to the class of 2023!!! A very special shout out to the students of @uncsa and @drewuniversity . I had the pleasure of being the commencement speaker for both institutions. I am also extremely honored to receive Honorary Doctorates from both schools! An Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts from UNCSA and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Drew University. THANK YOU to UNCSA (my Alma Mater- full circle!!) and Drew University for the love and support you’ve given me over the past 2 weekends!!! Special thanks to Chancellor Brian Cole, Endalyn Taylor (Dean of Dance), Ralph Womble, Provost Patrick Sims, Lissy Garrison of UNCSA, and President Thomas Schwarz, Vice President for University Advancement, Bret Silver, Director and Assistant Professor of Dance in the Theatre and Dance Department, @kimani0402 of Drew University. It was a special treat to share these experiences with my mom and dad🤎 To support what I wanted to share and to make this experience a community engagement with the students, I reached out to the classes and asked them to share questions about navigating life after graduation. I wanted my speeches to be guided by them, to help them maybe overcome their fears, and live out their hopes and dreams. I’ve always been afraid to speak in public because my voice sounded different from everyone else’s. I would get teased and mimicked when I was younger. Because of that, public speaking has always been very scary. So THANK YOU to both institutions for giving me an opportunity to push through the fear and to grow! To the class of 2023, KEEP MOVING FORWARD AND BE BRAVE!!!!! Shout out to @domorisseau and @salamishah who received Honorary Doctorates from the University of Michigan and Moore College of Art & Design respectively. And @herenowdance who graduated from NYU Silver School of Social Work. MSW. Styled by @jakesokoloff Photos by UNCSA and Drew University
Congratulations to the class of 2023!!! A very special shout out to the students of @uncsa and @drewuniversity . I had the pleasure of being the commencement speaker for both institutions. I am also extremely honored to receive Honorary Doctorates from both schools! An Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts from UNCSA and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Drew University. THANK YOU to UNCSA (my Alma Mater- full circle!!) and Drew University for the love and support you’ve given me over the past 2 weekends!!! Special thanks to Chancellor Brian Cole, Endalyn Taylor (Dean of Dance), Ralph Womble, Provost Patrick Sims, Lissy Garrison of UNCSA, and President Thomas Schwarz, Vice President for University Advancement, Bret Silver, Director and Assistant Professor of Dance in the Theatre and Dance Department, @kimani0402 of Drew University. It was a special treat to share these experiences with my mom and dad🤎 To support what I wanted to share and to make this experience a community engagement with the students, I reached out to the classes and asked them to share questions about navigating life after graduation. I wanted my speeches to be guided by them, to help them maybe overcome their fears, and live out their hopes and dreams. I’ve always been afraid to speak in public because my voice sounded different from everyone else’s. I would get teased and mimicked when I was younger. Because of that, public speaking has always been very scary. So THANK YOU to both institutions for giving me an opportunity to push through the fear and to grow! To the class of 2023, KEEP MOVING FORWARD AND BE BRAVE!!!!! Shout out to @domorisseau and @salamishah who received Honorary Doctorates from the University of Michigan and Moore College of Art & Design respectively. And @herenowdance who graduated from NYU Silver School of Social Work. MSW. Styled by @jakesokoloff Photos by UNCSA and Drew University
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF We opened @terence_blanchard Champion at @metopera on Monday! I am very honored to return to The Met for my 3rd opera! Porgy & Bess (2019), Fire Shut Up In My Bones co-directed with James Robinson (2021) and now Champion (2023). I went to high school across the street @lagalumniandfriends (LAG!) and never imagined that my work would be shown on The Met stage! I am very honored and thankful for the opportunity to delve into the world of opera. A very special thank you to Peter Gelb and James Robinson for inviting me to be a part of The Met family. Thank you to Peter and Dodie Kazanjian (Director of Gallery Met) for hanging my portrait (by @drillboney Jim McKeon) in the Founders Hall! Check it out when you come to the show!!! Thank you James Robinson and Terence Blanchard for your spirit and encouraging words throughout the process! It’s always a pleasure being in the room with you both! Thank you for believing in me! Shouting out @rickeytripp (Associate Choreographer) and @maleek_washington (Assistant Choreographer) to the rafters!!! Thank you for your love, support, and teamwork. Love you both so much. Congratulations to the creative team, @metoperachorus @metoperaballet @metoperaactors @metoperastagemanagers and everyone who contributed to this show. My grandma used to listen to operas on the radio. It was one of her favorite things to do. Every time I step into The Met building I think of her and the love she had for the art form. Lifting up my grandma today and always. Champion runs until May 13th! Check out the HD performance on April 29th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Dress: Aggi (@aggi_pl) Shoes: Alexandre Birman (@alexandrebirman) Earrings: Elizabeth Cole (@elizabethcolejewelry) Photos 1-3 by @gettyimages 4 and 5 by @olivier.medus 6-10 Ken Howard/The Met Opera
#FBF @thetonyawards 2022 Dress by @carolinaherrera Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb Jewelry by @aaykafashion Shoes by @betseyjohnson
Very excited to chat all things Opera! @terence_blanchard ‘s Champion directed by James Robinson at @metopera ! The HD performance will be in cinemas tomorrow, April 29th, and runs until May 13th! Associate Choreographer @rickeytripp Assistant Choreographer @maleek_washington Dress: Alice and Olivia Shoes: SJP Collection Jewelry: Saulé Label Stylist @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb
WE ARE AT @apollotheater THIS WEEKEND!!! A very special THANK YOU to @kamilahf for bringing ink uptown!!! Thank you for your sisterhood!!! Here we goooo #inkitup Music: Kwinton Gray (piano), Mike Ramsey (drums), @julesonstrings (violin), Nyemba Seals (percussion) Set and Lighting Design: David Arsenault Sound Design: @justellington Costumes: Mayte Natalio Performers: Beatrice Capote, Timothy Edwards, Catherine Foster, Juel D. Lane, Yusha Sorzano, Maleek Washington, and cab Original compositions by @afrohousebaltimore , Wilson Torres, @alliboomboom @julesonstrings A very special thanks to our Lead Rehearsal Associate, @moraaminaparker . THANK YOU for pouring your all into this work!!!
THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support our runs at @thejoycetheater and @apollotheater !!! Thank you for your energy- for showing us so much LOVE- for the support! We appreciate you! Very special thanks to the folks that made this ALL happen @kamilahf Aaron Mattocks and their amazing teams, @pamela.green.756 Diane Rosenblatt (Executive Director of CABD) @lisagoldbergpr Kim Rosenfield, and the CABD board. THANK YOU for your powerful teamwork in bringing TOL, BGLP, and ink back to NY in a big way!!! You have continued to encourage me in many ways. Thank you for believing in me and being champions of my work!!! LOVE to all the dancers, musicians, EBM teaching artists, dramaturgs, CABD staff, and creatives of CABD- both past and present. You have all made it possible for me to investigate and create work, share my vision, form a process that is my own, and share my voice- all while we create a safe, loving, and fun filled space for each other. Thank you for always lifting me up and always taking the dive. We do this together. pic of the Apollo (Shahar Azran Photography)
THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support our runs at @thejoycetheater and @apollotheater !!! Thank you for your energy- for showing us so much LOVE- for the support! We appreciate you! Very special thanks to the folks that made this ALL happen @kamilahf Aaron Mattocks and their amazing teams, @pamela.green.756 Diane Rosenblatt (Executive Director of CABD) @lisagoldbergpr Kim Rosenfield, and the CABD board. THANK YOU for your powerful teamwork in bringing TOL, BGLP, and ink back to NY in a big way!!! You have continued to encourage me in many ways. Thank you for believing in me and being champions of my work!!! LOVE to all the dancers, musicians, EBM teaching artists, dramaturgs, CABD staff, and creatives of CABD- both past and present. You have all made it possible for me to investigate and create work, share my vision, form a process that is my own, and share my voice- all while we create a safe, loving, and fun filled space for each other. Thank you for always lifting me up and always taking the dive. We do this together. pic of the Apollo (Shahar Azran Photography)
#TBT I had a wonderful time creating a new work for CABD at @jacobspillow with these wonderful human beings last week!!! So inspired to keep going!!! The experience was invigorating and rejuvenating! I haven’t been in process like this with my company since creating ink, so I’m so thrilled about where we are and what we’re doing!!! And despite the immense challenge of having a dance company while working in other avenues, I remain committed to sustaining this creative space- my home base. More sooooooon! Shout out to the crew: Dancers @thedancingrealtorny @catdancerpro @jessica.a.pinkett @miki_michelle @starl.a @chris.p.hernandez @cue4christ @onyxxnoel @mayte_n (Associate Choreographer) @hurrikane_alain @thewcr Composers/musicians @deahlove (Music Director, piano) and @jaylennn___ (drums) Sound designer @justellington PSM @bobertmc A very special thank you to Pam Tatge for this opportunity! Thank you for being my champion since Wesleyan!!!
#TBT I had a wonderful time creating a new work for CABD at @jacobspillow with these wonderful human beings last week!!! So inspired to keep going!!! The experience was invigorating and rejuvenating! I haven’t been in process like this with my company since creating ink, so I’m so thrilled about where we are and what we’re doing!!! And despite the immense challenge of having a dance company while working in other avenues, I remain committed to sustaining this creative space- my home base. More sooooooon! Shout out to the crew: Dancers @thedancingrealtorny @catdancerpro @jessica.a.pinkett @miki_michelle @starl.a @chris.p.hernandez @cue4christ @onyxxnoel @mayte_n (Associate Choreographer) @hurrikane_alain @thewcr Composers/musicians @deahlove (Music Director, piano) and @jaylennn___ (drums) Sound designer @justellington PSM @bobertmc A very special thank you to Pam Tatge for this opportunity! Thank you for being my champion since Wesleyan!!!
#TBT I had a wonderful time creating a new work for CABD at @jacobspillow with these wonderful human beings last week!!! So inspired to keep going!!! The experience was invigorating and rejuvenating! I haven’t been in process like this with my company since creating ink, so I’m so thrilled about where we are and what we’re doing!!! And despite the immense challenge of having a dance company while working in other avenues, I remain committed to sustaining this creative space- my home base. More sooooooon! Shout out to the crew: Dancers @thedancingrealtorny @catdancerpro @jessica.a.pinkett @miki_michelle @starl.a @chris.p.hernandez @cue4christ @onyxxnoel @mayte_n (Associate Choreographer) @hurrikane_alain @thewcr Composers/musicians @deahlove (Music Director, piano) and @jaylennn___ (drums) Sound designer @justellington PSM @bobertmc A very special thank you to Pam Tatge for this opportunity! Thank you for being my champion since Wesleyan!!!
It was a great honor speaking with @alroker about @terence_blanchard ‘s Champion at @metopera for @todayshow !!!! We also talked about all things Queens, New York! 2 more performances!!! The last show is May 13th! Styled by @jakesokoloff Make up by @harristevenb
As the women in Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf say, I’m outside Jamaica, Queens, NY! Much gratitude to @broadwayblack and voters for this tremendous award for Best Direction of a Play on Broadway!!! I am very thankful and truly feel seen. It was an honor to be a part of the fubu celebration last night!!! ✊🏽Lifting up the timeless vision and words of Ntozake Shange. Thankful for her love of dance and how important it was to her language. I am honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to her legacy. A most heartfelt shout out and THANK YOU to the cast- for being so open, loving, encouraging, explosive, expansive, and phenomenally beautiful during our process and run. THANK YOU to the creatives, crew, associates, and assistants for being so generous with your time, for believing in the vision, and for having my back the entire way. You are sincerely loved and appreciated. Thankful to my personal team who helped me believe that I could do this. Thankful for the inspiration and mentorship of Dianne McIyntre, @joydances8 and Talvin Wilks. I experienced many firsts with this show and my community held me up! Thank you to the producers for asking me to direct and choreograph this show. I’m proud that we showed up- for Ntozake, for Black women, for each other, and for ourselves. I am thankful to have been witness to Black girl magic both behind the scenes and on stage. I am thankful for the thrilling yet terrifying jump into directing for theater. In all things, take the dive and BELIEVE. I am thankful for everyone who believed in me. Shout out to MY G @rickeytripp THANK YOU for sharing the night with me! Love you so much🦋 #Director #Choreographer #blackwomenonbroadway
