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Welcome to 2025, folks! Jodi is joined by Alexis Wilson in our first episode of the new year to first go over a few funny little things that have happened over the past two weeks, including Zendaya and Tom Holland getting engaged, Mrs. Fields of cookie fame being revealed to be a baddie, a Carrie Underwood stan account turning on her, and Club Chalamet's busy month (0:45). Then, they name the United States government as Traitor of the Week for banning TikTok (22:37) and do a full deep dive on the bizarre and wonderful Robbie Williams (who?) musical biopic, ‘Better Man,' throughout which he is depicted as a CGI chimp (35:35). Finally, in honor of the new year and all it can bring, they share their ins and outs for 2025 (1:03:18). If you wish to donate to those in our Ringer family affected by the L.A. wildfires, the three GoFundMe fundraisers below are for Alexis Wilson's aunt and uncle, Chelsea Stark-Jones's parents, and Yasi Salek, all of whom lost their homes. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-coach-arins-family-after-fire-loss https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-jones-family-after-devastating-fire-loss https://www.gofundme.com/f/yasis-house-burned-down-to-the-ground Host: Jodi Walker Guest: Alexis Wilson Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jodi is joined this week by elite yapper Alexis Wilson to explore three cultural crash outs. They start with the yearlong crash out of People's Sexiest Man Alive award, which is currently not beating the PR stunt/paid-for-by allegations after John Krasinski was chosen (3:10). Then they go super deep on Molly Rutter's pivot from DateTok cringe poster to political correspondent, which shockingly hasn't been going so well (23:00). Finally, they talk about the thin line between girl bossing and becoming a cult leader in ‘Breath of Fire,' HBO's docuseries about kundalini yoga (1:02:10), before each sharing their personal obsession for the week (1:09:20). Host: Jodi Walker Guest: Alexis Wilson Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When Knit Picks was founded by husband and wife team Kelly and Bob Petkun in 2002, the company began with a mail-order catalog and soon added online purchasing. Buying yarn online seemed both strange and inevitable: knitters began choosing yarns that they could only see onscreen, in the early days of functional search engines, at a time when many people had internet only at the office if at all. But for crafters who lacked easy access to a local yarn store or even a big-box craft store, being able to order craft supplies online broadened the horizons of knitting. After carrying other companies' yarns for several years, the Petkuns began working directly with mills in South America to create yarn lines that were exclusive to Knit Picks. Several of their first yarns, including Wool of the Andes, Andean Treasure, and Alpaca Cloud, are still available (though the Butterfly Kisses eyelash yarn that was a staple of the early 2000's has been discontinued). With the success of their exclusive yarns, Knit Picks began working with manufacturers to create their own tools, most significantly an extensive range of knitting needles. Sustainability-Minded Yarns By making their yarns available directly to knitters, Knit Picks was able to keep their prices low and developed a reputation for affordability. Perhaps less well known, though, have been their efforts to offer sustainably produced yarns. In this episode, Alexis Wilson explains that the company recently completed the process to certify their warehouse to the Responsible Wool Standard, the last link in the chain that makes their 100% US-made High Desert yarn line fully RWS-certified. High Desert yarns use Shaniko Wool, sourced from ranches that meet multiple environmental and social responsibility standards and are demonstrated to capture carbon in the soil. Even before the official RWS certification, Alexis observes, Knit Picks purchased their wool, alpaca, and mohair from certified Responsible Alpaca Standard, Responsible Mohair Standard, and RWS sources. In addition to natural-fiber yarns, they have added several lines that use innovative methods of recycling or reclaiming waste fibers: Oceana (https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/oceana/c/5420504), which features Seaqual Upcycled Marine Plastic; Salvage (https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/salvage/c/5420505), which contains recycled cotton; and Samia (https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/samia/c/5420462), which includes cupro, a silky fiber made from waste cotton produced in a closed-loop process. The environmental concern extends to their wooden needles, which are made from sustainably harvested forests. For Every Knitter (and Dyer and Weaver and Spinner) Although “knit” is right in the name, Knit Picks offers products for other crafts as well (and not just through their sister brand Crochet.com (https://www.crochet.com/)). In addition to finished yarns, Knit Picks offers the Bare (https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/bare-dye-your-own/c/300110) line of popular yarns ready to be dyed by consumers, as well as a variety of natural and synthetic dye products (https://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/yarn-dyes/c/300508). Spinners can select the wool blends used in some popular Knit Picks yarns as processed wool tops (https://www.knitpicks.com/3001/filter-products?Category=Roving) to make their own yarns. For weavers and machine knitters, the popular Dishie cotton comes on cones as well as in balls, and Alexis reveals that some weights of their staple yarns Wool of the Andes and Palette will be offered on cones soon, too. For nearly 20 years, Knit Picks produced almost every product offered on the site. In recent years, though, they have started supplementing their offerings with select yarns that they believe customers would enjoy, such as Kelbourne Woolens Germantown and Baa Ram Ewe Woodnote. Alexis looks forward to adding yarns from Berroco in upcoming months. In this Spotlight Episode, discover the sustainable side of Knit Picks. Links KnitPicks.com (https://www.knitpicks.com/) High Desert (https://www.knitpicks.com/search?q=high%20desert&filter___category%5B0%5D=Yarn) yarn is Knit Picks's 100% made in America, fully traceable, Responsible Wool Standard-certified yarn featuring Shaniko Wool. Knit Picks's Learning Center (https://www.knitpicks.com/learning-center) includes information about the company and its products as well as knitting instruction and links to the podcast and blog. The Freebies (https://www.knitpicks.com/freebies) page includes a delightful collection of printable tags, care instructions, cheat sheets, and other knitting information you didn't know you needed. This episode is brought to you by: KnitPicks.com has been serving the knitting community for over 20 years and believes knitting is for everyone, which is why they work hard to make knitting accessible, affordable, and approachable. Knit Picks responsibly sources its fiber to create an extensive selection of affordable yarns like High Desert from Shaniko Wool Company in Oregon. Are you looking for an ethical, eco-friendly yarn to try? Look no further than Knit Picks' Eco yarn line. Need needles? Knit Picks makes a selection for knitters right at their Vancouver, Washington headquarters. KnitPicks.com (https://www.knitpicks.com/)—a place for every knitter.
What's up Porch family! We hope you're ready for today's show because we have a good one in store for you. Today's special guest is a woman of so many skills. This woman isn't just a hustler, she herself is literally a business. Helping others grow in many different ways from business, to marketing, to health & wellness. Living out on the west coast now but never loses sight of her hometown Detroit, Michigan! The one and only Alexis Wilson! We dive into her passion for helping others grow from a spiritual and mental standpoint. We discuss the important of family, her favorite qualities about a black man and where she will be 5 years from now. Go grab your favorite chair, get comfortable and pull up to The Porch!!! Thanks so much for listening. If you vibe with the podcast, please Rate it 5 Stars on Apple Podcasts and whatever other platform that you listen to podcasts! We appreciate the support!!! ◾️Follow us “The Porch” for authentic conversations on sports, culture, and real life experiences. ◾️Follow us Instagram: @ThePorchPodcast_ @Bjones_29 @Darnell_Smith95 @LexALT ◾️Follow us Twitter: @Darnell_Smith95 ◾️Goal: We want to give you something REAL to listen to on your lunch break, during your workout or on your way home from work. We want to create real dialogues in your household that's about sports, music, relationships, parenting, etc. So go ahead and pull up to The Porch, we promise you won't regret it! ◾️Music by V.I.P Watts Tags: #ThePorchPodcast #MentalWellness #MentalHealth #Mindset #Spiritual #Purpose #Passion #Motivation
"If you want to change your life, you must do the work." Alexis Wilson - social entrepreneur, speaker, and the CEO of Exalt Management - shares her personal #dreamdriving journey and how you can break free from mental constraints while elevating to new heights in both your personal life and career. Alexis has devoted over half a decade to researching how humans can be renewed in mind, body and spirit, and has in turn identified efficient tools and practices for life transformation and elevation. Outside of her work with Exalt, she leads The Menternship, a non-profit dedicated to the personal and professional development of Black and Brown young women pursuing careers in entertainment. In the past decade, Alexis has keynoted national conferences, launched several successful ventures and formed partnerships with some of the largest brands across the globe such as Nike, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and L'Oréal Paris. SUPPORT DREAMS IN DRIVE: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/donate BROWSE THE BOOKSTORE:https://www.dreamsindrive.com/bookstore SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – THE KEYS: https://www.dreamsindrive.com/join FIND ALEXIS WILSON ON: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lexalt FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rainshineluv Twitter: http://twitter.com/rainshineluv FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: https://www.dreamsindrive.com
Alexis Wilson trunfó con México en el Clásico Mundial del Beisbol 2023. Se trata de un joven catcher mexicano con gran proyección, y Shannely Guzmán, nos cuenta su historia.
¡Entrevista exclusiva con Alexis Wilson!
El receptor ahomense produjo par de carreras y seis lanzadores se combinaron para dejar en sólo cuatro hits a la novena europea. Los Deportes con Misael Valenzuela.
Les presentamos esta entrevista exclusiva con Alexis Wilson, receptor del equipo de México en el Clásico Mundial de Beisbol (World Baseball Classic 2023).
Fresh from the Hill: Inside Stories of Noteworthy Cornellians
From her beginnings as a Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar, to joining a lab in CALS, to dancing on the dance team Urban Blaze, Alexis Wilson '19 seemingly did it all as a Cornell student. Not only that, Alexis was also an instrumental member of Cornell's Intergroup Dialogue Project. Since her time at Cornell, she's completed an honors thesis related to environmental science that later got published in a journal, and is now pursuing a PhD at Stanford. In this episode of Fresh from the Hill, Alexis speaks on the many ways that Cornell gave her opportunities to branch out into new interests and areas of exploration on top of solidifying others already formed in her life. Listen in on this inspiring and sentimental chat between host Sydney Mann '18 and Alexis, a pair who moved from having a mentoring relationship to a vibrant friendship. Themes of environmental justice, interconnectedness, mutual support, diversity, and building community are all over this episode for you to enjoy and learn from. Read the episode transcript. Hosted by Sydney Mann '18. Episode description written by Brenna Tosh '24. Created and produced by Amanda Massa. Music by Kia Albertson-Rogers '13, koa3@cornell.edu. Artwork by Chris Kelly. *The views expressed by Fresh from the Hill hosts and guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Cornell University.
We welcome back Alexis Wilson to hear more about her and her father's amazing lives as shared in her memoir, Not So Black And White! Get your copy of Not So Black And White today!
We welcome back Zoom Papa Christopher Sarson as well Alexis Wilson - daughter of legendary choreographer Billy Wilson and an incredible artist in her own right - to continue the celebrations of Zoom's landmark 50th anniversary! Get your copy of Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach today!
In this episode, David sits down with Alexis to discuss about how to tap into your inner power and access your open consciousness. They also discuss the importance of being self aware relating to their business.Guest InfoAlexis WilsonIG: @exaltmgtIG: @lexaltwww.exaltmgmt.comHost InfoDavid McCullarIG Pages: @MrdavidmccullarFounder: @i_am_inceptionHost: @iinnerwealthwww.inceptionep.comwww.iinnertech.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week Tre'vell Anderson helps us catch up on some gay news, the newest Bond Girl, Titsy Malone (Maria Bamford), shares her character's journey in No Time to Die, Alexis Wilson and Moshe Kasher help (we think? maybe?) the audience with some of their toughest problems. Ricky Velez joins as we talk about the Right's attack on parental leave. And Lovett quizzes Moshe and Ricky on paternity leave around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The former high school coach talks about his favorite moments from the recent Drake Relays, preparing for meets, his path to announcing, his favorite meet, his unwavering support of athletes and the surprise growth of his Track Guy Foundation that delivers shoes to youths and funds scholarships for high school seniors. Mike also plays the association game, describing Iowa track and field athletes Shelby Houlihan, Erik Sowinski, Karissa Schweizer, Alexis Wilson, Thomas Pollard, Lisa Uhl and Jenny Simpson in three words or less. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lance-bergeson8/support
RECORDED LIVE: APR. 1ST, 2021On episode 21, Ponyboy Pol has a #CreativeConversation with his pal, Alexis Wilson, Founder/CEO of "The Menternship": a personal and professional development program for young Black and Brown women that blends the tenets of mentorship and an internship.She is also the founder of "Exalt Management": a management company dedicated to helping purpose-driven athletes, entertainers, and businesses level up from the inside, out.In this episode, Alexis talks about foregoing her childhood dream, how "The Menternship" came to be, and why you need to go inward.
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director with the Fort Worth Zoo, joined the morning show to explain what the Zoo is doing to prepare for a crowd again, and how to keep zoo-goers safe from COVID-19.
Teachers in the United States found a way to reduce their financial burden of buying school supplies through a viral social media campaign. Fourth grade teacher Courtney Jones from Texas started the initiative on Facebook by creating a group named “Support A Teacher.” According to Jones, she decided to create the group to give teachers an opportunity to come together and help them gain a support system for getting what they need for their classrooms. After a while, Jones extended the campaign to Twitter and Instagram using the official hashtag #ClearTheList. This attracted more teachers to post their wish lists. The initiative became more successful when celebrities started supporting it, prompting their followers to do the same. As of early September, the campaign has received more than 2,000 requests. It is hosted by the crowdfunding site Donors Choose, and it estimates that around $1.3 million is needed to fund all the items on the lists. To get school items, teachers have to create Amazon wish lists. They can share their wish lists on social media using the official hashtag. Anyone can donate by giving money or purchasing an item on a list. Based on a recent survey by the US Department of Education, a teacher typically spends a minimum of $479 to buy classroom supplies. According to Jones, some teachers spend as much as $2,500 just to stock up on essential items. Aside from helping teachers clear their lists, donations will also have a huge impact on students' classroom experiences. Sixth grade teacher Alexis Wilson said that the school items help her create engaging classroom activities. Kristen Gainer, another elementary school teacher, said that through the campaign, she was able to learn different teaching ideas and techniques from other teachers.
Borrowed Interest is a podcast hosted by three ad-women of color -- Leeya Jackson, Shareina Chandler, and Amalia Nicholson - kicking it in the advertising business and working it all out with thoughtful discussions, screams and laughter. They're your workplace wokebaes with something to say, so listen up. In this episode, they get into the ups and downs of being labeled a difficult woman aka an angry black woman aka a woman. They chat with Black Twitter queen/PR powerhouse Alexis Wilson about white feminism and being the lone black lady at your company. Learn more at borrowedinterestpodcast.com
Borrowed Interest is a podcast hosted by three ad-women of color -- Leeya Jackson, Shareina Chandler, and Amalia Nicholson - kicking it in the advertising business and working it all out with thoughtful discussions, screams and laughter. They're your workplace wokebaes with something to say, so listen up. In this episode, they get into the ups and downs of being labeled a difficult woman aka an angry black woman aka a woman. They chat with Black Twitter queen/PR powerhouse Alexis Wilson about white feminism and being the lone black lady at your company. Learn more at borrowedinterestpodcast.com
For Black History Month Amelia and Karen sit down with funny gals Alexis Wilson and Kaitlin Monroe to discuss what it's like being Black while growing up in a predominately white area. Honest conversations, good laughs, and touching stories of what it's really like to feel like a black outsider in a very white America. Follow on Instagram! Just Two_____Girls @justtwoblankgirls Alexis Wilson @alexiswilson Kaitlin Monroe @kaitlinmonroe
New ep! Alexis Wilson (twitter.com/sassyblackdiva) returns to seriously ponder the questions in “Do You Fear That?” Then, she and Molls (twitter.com/molls) take on your calls about what comes next after the Women’s March, what to do when you’re dating the friend of an ex, and what was really going on when you had a fight with your sister over an oil change. Plus we try to parse out intersectionality in feminism, being a good ally and so much more. ****Give us a call. We'd love to hear from you for any advice, if you wanna say what's up, or if you want us to roast you. Hit us up at (323) 450-7408 or send us a voice note or letter at askplzadvise [at] gmail dot com.**** See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
#PlzAdviseNation, we've got a great episode loaded up for you this week. Guest Alexis Wilson (twitter.com/sassyblackdiva) steps in and answers your questions about uber/ride share etiquette, how to get off one when you're always ON ONE, and which crystals to stock up on -- and where NOT to get them. We also have a thorough and heavy conversation regarding the #BlackLivesMatter movement prompted by a caller whose friend may not understand the challenges of being Black in America. Catch Molls and Alexis decipher how to pronounce "Bey" and revisit their Myers Briggs archetypes! This is a fabulous episode filled with great topics and we promise that it WILL give you life. We can't wait for you to listen. Thanks so much to our callers. We are loving your questions! Please leave us a message at 323-450-7408 and as us anything and your call may be played on the pod! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
"Pastries never look good on TV." This week, Molly and her guest Alexis Wilson take a stroll along the dark path that is "Starving in Suburbia." With its surprisingly accurate portrayal of Tumblr and classic Lifetime family disfunction, tune into to hear how this movie fared on the MMISWP Lifetime Movie Scale. Bonus episode gems: find out the single piece of trivia from the movie's IMDB page, how long it can take for maggots to appear on rotten food, and why Molly truly feels for the Manson girls. Many thanks to our producer Steven Ray Morris and Six Peaks (Molly May McMahan) for our logo. Don't forget to subscribe on iTunes. While you're at it, leave us a rating and review so we can share the Lifetime Movie love! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
When I think of the name “Billy Wilson” certain things come to mind immediately. I think of his sparkling career as director and choreographer of “Bubbling Brown Sugar” on Broadway. I am still stunned by his ability to shift from Broadway and back again so readily into making master works for the concert dance stage – Wilson's works are in the repertory today of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company) and the Dance Theater of Harlem. I am all warm inside when I remember seeing the lush, rhythmic and striking choreography he created to the music of Dizzy Gillespie for his last work of concert dance, “The Winter in Lisbon” (1992.) A tour de force, Wilson was a passionate and celebrated dancer during his time as a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet and was later founder of the Dance Theater of Boston. For me, Billy Wilson is one of those names in dance history that is all too often reduced to a footnote that obfuscates his career and contributions to dance at home and abroad. I am thrilled that his daughter, Alexis Wilson, has stepped up and out to ensure that her father's legacy survives, all while sharing her own voice and lived experiences with deep integrity. Alexis Wilson's touching and deeply personal book Not So Black and White (Tree Spirit Publishing, 2012) goes well beyond the commonly known information about her father's life and work to reveal her experience growing up as the daughter of this dance genius. This book is her memoir, which is at once both a loving homage to her father, a meditation on her life as the biracial daughter of Wilson and a Dutch ballerina (Sonja van Beers) and a narrative that strives for reconciliation of the contradictions that shaped Alexis's life. Abandoned by her mother at the age of 11, moving through the worlds of ballet and Broadway and navigating her life journey with her father and his chosen life partner (Chip Garnett) are just a taste of what shaped Alexis's experiences. An accomplished dancer, author, mother and more, Alexis Wilson does what she did not have to do in this book: she pours herself onto the page so that others might have a lens through which to know who her father was beyond the footlights and a look at how race, class, art, love and pain intertwine to create a stunning portrait of her life. This work is at once deeply personal and relevant to the history of 20th century American dance. With a foreword by actor Blair Underwood, Not So Black and White is not to be missed. Today, Alexis Wilson makes her home in Columbus, OH with her two daughters and her husband, Byron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies
When I think of the name “Billy Wilson” certain things come to mind immediately. I think of his sparkling career as director and choreographer of “Bubbling Brown Sugar” on Broadway. I am still stunned by his ability to shift from Broadway and back again so readily into making master works for the concert dance stage – Wilson’s works are in the repertory today of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company) and the Dance Theater of Harlem. I am all warm inside when I remember seeing the lush, rhythmic and striking choreography he created to the music of Dizzy Gillespie for his last work of concert dance, “The Winter in Lisbon” (1992.) A tour de force, Wilson was a passionate and celebrated dancer during his time as a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet and was later founder of the Dance Theater of Boston. For me, Billy Wilson is one of those names in dance history that is all too often reduced to a footnote that obfuscates his career and contributions to dance at home and abroad. I am thrilled that his daughter, Alexis Wilson, has stepped up and out to ensure that her father’s legacy survives, all while sharing her own voice and lived experiences with deep integrity. Alexis Wilson’s touching and deeply personal book Not So Black and White (Tree Spirit Publishing, 2012) goes well beyond the commonly known information about her father’s life and work to reveal her experience growing up as the daughter of this dance genius. This book is her memoir, which is at once both a loving homage to her father, a meditation on her life as the biracial daughter of Wilson and a Dutch ballerina (Sonja van Beers) and a narrative that strives for reconciliation of the contradictions that shaped Alexis’s life. Abandoned by her mother at the age of 11, moving through the worlds of ballet and Broadway and navigating her life journey with her father and his chosen life partner (Chip Garnett) are just a taste of what shaped Alexis’s experiences. An accomplished dancer, author, mother and more, Alexis Wilson does what she did not have to do in this book: she pours herself onto the page so that others might have a lens through which to know who her father was beyond the footlights and a look at how race, class, art, love and pain intertwine to create a stunning portrait of her life. This work is at once deeply personal and relevant to the history of 20th century American dance. With a foreword by actor Blair Underwood, Not So Black and White is not to be missed. Today, Alexis Wilson makes her home in Columbus, OH with her two daughters and her husband, Byron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When I think of the name “Billy Wilson” certain things come to mind immediately. I think of his sparkling career as director and choreographer of “Bubbling Brown Sugar” on Broadway. I am still stunned by his ability to shift from Broadway and back again so readily into making master works for the concert dance stage – Wilson’s works are in the repertory today of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company) and the Dance Theater of Harlem. I am all warm inside when I remember seeing the lush, rhythmic and striking choreography he created to the music of Dizzy Gillespie for his last work of concert dance, “The Winter in Lisbon” (1992.) A tour de force, Wilson was a passionate and celebrated dancer during his time as a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet and was later founder of the Dance Theater of Boston. For me, Billy Wilson is one of those names in dance history that is all too often reduced to a footnote that obfuscates his career and contributions to dance at home and abroad. I am thrilled that his daughter, Alexis Wilson, has stepped up and out to ensure that her father’s legacy survives, all while sharing her own voice and lived experiences with deep integrity. Alexis Wilson’s touching and deeply personal book Not So Black and White (Tree Spirit Publishing, 2012) goes well beyond the commonly known information about her father’s life and work to reveal her experience growing up as the daughter of this dance genius. This book is her memoir, which is at once both a loving homage to her father, a meditation on her life as the biracial daughter of Wilson and a Dutch ballerina (Sonja van Beers) and a narrative that strives for reconciliation of the contradictions that shaped Alexis’s life. Abandoned by her mother at the age of 11, moving through the worlds of ballet and Broadway and navigating her life journey with her father and his chosen life partner (Chip Garnett) are just a taste of what shaped Alexis’s experiences. An accomplished dancer, author, mother and more, Alexis Wilson does what she did not have to do in this book: she pours herself onto the page so that others might have a lens through which to know who her father was beyond the footlights and a look at how race, class, art, love and pain intertwine to create a stunning portrait of her life. This work is at once deeply personal and relevant to the history of 20th century American dance. With a foreword by actor Blair Underwood, Not So Black and White is not to be missed. Today, Alexis Wilson makes her home in Columbus, OH with her two daughters and her husband, Byron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When I think of the name “Billy Wilson” certain things come to mind immediately. I think of his sparkling career as director and choreographer of “Bubbling Brown Sugar” on Broadway. I am still stunned by his ability to shift from Broadway and back again so readily into making master works for the concert dance stage – Wilson’s works are in the repertory today of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company) and the Dance Theater of Harlem. I am all warm inside when I remember seeing the lush, rhythmic and striking choreography he created to the music of Dizzy Gillespie for his last work of concert dance, “The Winter in Lisbon” (1992.) A tour de force, Wilson was a passionate and celebrated dancer during his time as a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet and was later founder of the Dance Theater of Boston. For me, Billy Wilson is one of those names in dance history that is all too often reduced to a footnote that obfuscates his career and contributions to dance at home and abroad. I am thrilled that his daughter, Alexis Wilson, has stepped up and out to ensure that her father’s legacy survives, all while sharing her own voice and lived experiences with deep integrity. Alexis Wilson’s touching and deeply personal book Not So Black and White (Tree Spirit Publishing, 2012) goes well beyond the commonly known information about her father’s life and work to reveal her experience growing up as the daughter of this dance genius. This book is her memoir, which is at once both a loving homage to her father, a meditation on her life as the biracial daughter of Wilson and a Dutch ballerina (Sonja van Beers) and a narrative that strives for reconciliation of the contradictions that shaped Alexis’s life. Abandoned by her mother at the age of 11, moving through the worlds of ballet and Broadway and navigating her life journey with her father and his chosen life partner (Chip Garnett) are just a taste of what shaped Alexis’s experiences. An accomplished dancer, author, mother and more, Alexis Wilson does what she did not have to do in this book: she pours herself onto the page so that others might have a lens through which to know who her father was beyond the footlights and a look at how race, class, art, love and pain intertwine to create a stunning portrait of her life. This work is at once deeply personal and relevant to the history of 20th century American dance. With a foreword by actor Blair Underwood, Not So Black and White is not to be missed. Today, Alexis Wilson makes her home in Columbus, OH with her two daughters and her husband, Byron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices