Podcast appearances and mentions of Robert Battle

"Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey with special guest, Robert Battle, choreographer, artistic director and newly appointed resident choreographer for the Paul Taylor Dance Company.In this episode of "Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey, host Joanne Carey interviews Robert Battle. Together they discuss Robert's journey from his early beginnings in dance in Miami, his experiences at Juilliard, and his time as artistic director of the iconic Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Robert shares insights on the importance of mentorship, the creative process in choreography, and the significance of celebrating humanity through art. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of a career in dance, emphasizing the value of connection and community in the arts.Robert Battle's journey to the top of the modern dance world began in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, Florida where he showed artistic talent early and studied dance at a high school arts magnet program. From there he attended Miami's New World School of the Arts and then the dance program at The Juilliard School where he met his mentor Carolyn Adams. He danced with Parsons Dance from 1994 to 2001, and set his choreography on that company starting in 1998. Mr. Battle founded his own Battleworks Dance Company in 2002 which performed extensively at venues including The Joyce Theater, American Dance Festival, and Jacob's Pillow. A frequent choreographer and artist in residence at Ailey Ailey American Dance Theater since 1999, he set many of his works on the Ailey Company and Ailey II. In July 2011 he was personally selected by Judith Jamison to become Artistic Director of Ailey, making him only the third person to head the Company since it was founded in 1958. During his 12 years as Artistic Director he expanded the Ailey repertory with works by artists as diverse as Kyle Abraham, Mauro Bigonzetti, Ronald K. Brown, Rennie Harris, and Paul Taylor. He also instituted the New Directions Choreography Lab to help develop the next generation of choreographers. He stepped down from the position in 2023.For more information about Robert Battle and the Paul Taylor Dance Companyhttps://paultaylordance.org/“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey wherever you listen to your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancetalkwithjoannecarey.com/Follow Joanne on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdanceTune in. Follow. Like us. And Share.Please leave a review!“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

We're joined by Kirven, the multi-talented Artistic Director behind Saint Louis Dance Theatre, formerly Big Muddy Dance Company. began his formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy in 1999 and as a member of Boston Youth Moves under the artistic direction of Jeannette Neil and Jim Viera. He began his professional career as a member of Ailey II from 2002–2004 and performed at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival as a member of Battleworks Dance Company in 2003. In June 2004, Mr. Douthit-Boyd joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing both nationally and internationally for 11 years. During his tenure with the company, he performed leading roles in works choreographed by Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, Ron K. Brown, Geoffrey Holder, Jiri Kylian, David Parsons, Camille A. Brown, Ulysses Dove, Christopher Wheeldon, Hofesh Shecter, Twyla Tharp, Wayne McGregor and Ohad Naharin. He joined COCA-Center of Creative Arts in 2015 as Co-Artistic Director of Dance with his husband Antonio Douthit-Boyd. In 2016, Mr. Douthit-Boyd joined Ron K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company as a guest artist.Saint Louis Dance Theatre, formerly The Big Muddy Dance Company, is a dynamic arts organization dedicated to providing world-class contemporary dance performances and exhilarating theatre experiences in our great city. Their 24-25 (RE)Imagine Season is sure to astound, with an exceptional repertoire created by celebrated artists from around the globe, and intentional efforts to pull audiences closer to our movement. Every moment behind the curtain is sure to captivate, every step is sure to inspire, and they will take every bow in celebration of the manifestation of their dreams. Come lose yourselves in this art!  Support the show

Kirven Douthit-Boyd (Boston, MA) began his formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy in 1999 and as a member of Boston Youth Moves under the artistic direction of Jeannette Neil and Jim Viera. Mr. Douthit-Boyd studied as a fellowship student at The Ailey School and on scholarship at the Boston Conservatory. He is a graduate of Hollins University where he earned an MFA in dance. ———  He began his professional career as a member of Ailey II from 2002–2004 and performed at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival as a member of Battleworks Dance Company in 2003. In June 2004, Mr. Douthit-Boyd joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing both nationally and internationally for 11 years. During his tenure with the company, he performed leading roles in works choreographed by Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, Ron K. Brown, Geoffrey Holder, Jiri Kylian, David Parsons, Camille A. Brown, Ulysses Dove, Christopher Wheeldon, Hofesh Shecter, Twyla Tharp, Wayne McGregor and Ohad Naharin. He joined COCA-Center of Creative Arts in 2015 as Co-Artistic Director of Dance with his husband Antonio Douthit-Boyd. In 2016, Mr. Douthit-Boyd joined Ron K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company as a guest artist. ——— In 2010, Douthit-Boyd performed at the White House tribute to Judith Jamison hosted by then first lady Michelle Obama. He has also appeared as a guest artist in ballet and contemporary dance galas in Argentina, Mexico and Canada. He is the 2014 recipient of the “Black Theater Alliance Award” for his performance in Wayne McGregor's “Chroma,” the 2015 recipient of the “Next Generation in Leadership Award” from the Freedom House in Boston, the 2016 recipient of the Boston Arts Academy's “Apollo Award” the 2021 recipient of the “Excellence in the Arts Award” from the Arts and Education Council in St. Louis, and the 2022 recipient of the Dance Teacher Magazine Award. ——— Douthit-Boyd has choreographed workshops for The Ailey School, The Juilliard School, Webster University, Boston Arts Academy, Boston Youth Moves and COCA. He has also choreographed works for Dallas Black Dance Theater and Ailey II. He is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum and has completed Lester Horton Pedagogy studies under Ana Marie Forsythe in New York and St. Louis. He has also served as Distinguished Performing Artist at Washington University in St. Louis, where he taught modern dance in the collaborative MFA program between the University and COCA. ———

In today's episode, Robert explores what it means to lead with legacy in mind. We talk through the lessons learned from fully immersing oneself in their craft and the importance of building a community. Today's episode is sure to leave you inspired so be sure to share your most motivational moments with us over on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. You can also view this episode and catch up on others by visiting and subscribing to our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com.Things MentionedRobert Moses - “The Master Builder” History of Hip-HopMiami (Liberty City) Riot, 1980Liberty City Riots 1968What to ReadMy Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author) Robert Battle (Foreword)Dancing Revelations: Alvin Ailey's Embodiment of African American Culture by Thomas F DefrantzBlack Bodies, White Gazes: The Continuing Significance of Race in America by George YancyI Am Dance: Words and Images of the Black Dancer by Hal Banfield What to listen toSaving All My Love - Whitney HoustonLiving For The City - Stevie Wonder Miami - Will SmithRevelations - Album by Alvin AileyWho to followFollow Robert Battle on IG @alvinaileyLearn more about Robert at Robert Battle This conversation was recorded on October 7th, 2022.Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen,

Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre artistic director, talks about the dance troupe's upcoming performances at the Fox Theatre. Plus, we spotlight Atlanta pop-rock band Glimmers in our “Speaking of Music” series. And a discussion with Merely Players Presents director Scott Rousseau about “Marry Me A Little” on stage at the Doraville Civic Center. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People who live in northwest Gwinnett County will have a chance to get a year's worth of free pizza next week. A new Pizza Hut location, which is run by Flynn Restaurant Group, opened at 1550 Buford Highway in Buford on Dec. 23, but it's what the new store has planned for its grand opening festivities next week that will have tongues salivating. The first 25 customers who are in line at the store on Jan. 6 will get free pizza for a year. There are some limits on what pizzas qualify for the free pizza for a year, and what locations the pizzas can be picked up at. The deal is only valid at locations owned by Flynn Restaurant Group — which happens to be Pizza Hut's largest franchisee and which owns 10 other Pizza locations in Gwinnett County. In addition to the Buford location, Flynn Restaurant Group also owns locations in Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Auburn, Dacula, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Norcross and Snellville. It also owns 15 other locations in metro Atlanta, including stores nearby cities such as Cumming, Flowery Branch, Hoschton and Alpharetta. Other limitations on the free pizza for a year offer customers only being able to use it to get two complimentary specialty pizzas or up to three topping large pizzas per month for a year, a limit of one pizza per party, it only being valid on carryout orders, and it only being valid on Thin N' Crispy, original pan and hand tossed crusts. The new store is expected to add 15 new jobs to the Buford and Sugar Hill area. Now in its seventh decade of delivering compelling performances all over the world, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre — recognized by Congress as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World” — will make its return to Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre for a series of shows in mid-February. Led by artistic director Robert Battle, the Ailey troupe will showcase premiers, new productions and repertory favorites for five performances February 16-19 as part of a 22-city North American tour. While each performance will feature different choreographed works — including pieces by Kyle Abraham, Jamar Roberts and Twyla Tharp — each presentation will conclude with the stirring Ailey-choregraphed “Revelations,” which made its debut in 1960 and has been seen by more people than any other modern dance work. Ailey's Fox Theatre residency begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16 with Tharp's 1997 piece “Roy's Joys,” a new production of the 1986 production of “Survivors,” Ailey's tribute to Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and “Revelations.  Tickets, starting at $29, are available at the Fox Theatre box office at 660 Peachtree St., or by calling 855-285-8499 or visiting www.alvinailey.org or www.foxatltix.com. The arts in Gwinnett made great strides in 2022 to return to the pre-COVID world, where more than one nonprofit was overjoyed to find their doors still open. As a result, the vitality and pure joy of being back on stage or opening gallery doors was evident in the work art lovers could again absorb. Below are just a few of the highlights that made this writer smile in 2022. There were so many great performances, great exhibitions, great moments that it is hard to choose. Spring was an exciting time for Gwinnett performing arts groups and audiences. ♦ Live Arts Theatre has been nurturing and growing talent for many years. In March, their efforts were enhanced when LAT Actor Rodney Johnson won Best Performer for his work in the play “Sea Wall” at both the Southeastern Theatre Conference and the Georgia Theatre Conference. ♦ The Aurora Theatre was the venue April 2-3 when Atlanta's amazing “Dance Canvas” highlighted the work of seven emerging choreographers. Dance Canvas' Founder and Director, Angela Harris, has a special relationship with the Aurora, having danced in a number of their productions over the years. ♦ Spring was also celebrated by the joining of two of the Southeast's premiere Barber Shop Choruses. Gwinnett's lauded Stone Mountain Chorus and Atlanta Harmony Celebration joined their voices together in a concert at Mountain Park's United Methodist Church on May 21. ♦ Also in May, Duluth photographer Mary Buck traveled to Spain and returned with another treasure trove of images. Buck is known for her extraordinary photos of birds, whether taken in her own backyard or on the other side of the world. Art Beat columns of summer and early fall seemed to be full of young, talented Gwinnett dancers finding success. ♦ Rachael Graham was once a featured performer at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Since this summer, she has sported a number of tiaras, dancing and singing as Disney Princesses on their Cruise Line in the Caribbean. ♦ Dreams came true for another ex-Gwinnett Ballet dancer. Runako Campbell is living the dream in New York City where she has performed in a variety of shows, commercials, and with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. ♦ The Hudgens Center is one of Gwinnett's treasured arts entities, and The Hudgens Prize is a great example of how philanthropy can lift emerging artists into the spotlight. This year's winner is sculptor Olu Amoda who received the Prize with its $50,000 cash gift in October. ♦ “The Lion in Winter” was presented in early December by Lionheart Theatre, directed by Brandi Kilgore. Taking on such a renowned and powerful work is a true artistic test and certainly a highlight of Lionheart's season. As 2022 comes to a close, one more young artist is spreading wings and flying into her future. ♦ By the new year, 10-year-old Lillian Sears, who has trained at Duluth's Atlanta Professional Dance Academy, will begin studying at the Paris Opera Ballet. She is the first North American to be accepted into the POB's six-month audition program. Dreams do come true. Here's to 2023! Grayson's girls basketball team defeated Archbishop Chapelle (La.) 58-22 Thursday in the championship game of the St. Pius Christmas Classic. The Rams went 3-0 in the tournament, improving to 10-4 on the season. Tatum Brown was named tournament MVP, and Samara Saunders earned a spot on the all-tournament team. The Rams are back at home Friday where they'll open the New Year with a game against Brookwood. Georgia saw its population increase by 1.7% between 2020 and 2022, new numbers from the Census Bureau show. As of July 1, Georgia's population stood at more than 10.9 million, up from about 10.7 million at the same time in 2020. The Peach State's neighbor to the south, Florida, saw its population increase at a higher rate of 3% during the same timeframe, Census numbers show. South Carolina (2.9%), North Carolina (2.4%) and Tennessee (1.8%) also grew more than the Peach State, though Georgia has a higher population than the three states. However, Georgia's growth outpaced that of Alabama, which saw its population increase by 0.9%. For more information, visit www.lanierislands.com For advertising inquiries, please email j.southerland@bgadgroup.com For more information be sure to visit www.bgpodcastnetwork.com   https://www.lawrencevillega.org/  https://www.foxtheatre.org/  https://guideinc.org/  https://www.psponline.com/  https://www.kiamallofga.com/  https://www.milb.com/gwinnett  https://www.fernbankmuseum.org/                     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is back for its first full holiday season in a few years. After a truncated run due to last year's Omicron surge, Ailey kicked off November 30 and runs through December 24. Director Robert Battle and guest choreographer Kyle Abraham join us to discuss this season of the company's performances.

Schnucks KTRS Athlete of the Week Robert Battle East St. Louis by

Happy Birthday to Robert Battle, Donald O'Connor, Peggy Ryan, Allegra Fuller Snyder, and Wayne Cilento! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dawn-davis-loring/support

Nate and Bill sit down with Robert Battle once more to hear about his prolific 18 year pro career, the overseas experience, lessons learned and the next chapter in his post basketball life. Show Notes Pro Career: France, Turkey, Summer League, Mexico, Argentina, Spain Summer League stint for Sacramento Kings Post Basketball: Investment Advice, Cycling and Home Inspections

Nate, Dan and Eric are joined by Bill Martin to breakdown the week in Drexel hoops. They add some thoughts on Robert Battle and later a certain Dr. Z's name comes up. With the tournament around the corner tag along and see how the teams are shaping up (hint: it's very well)

Nate and Dan are joined by Bill Martin this week, and get a chance to speak with Drexel great Robert Battle. Robert takes us through the winding road that took him to Drexel, as well as highlights of his playing career under two different coaches in two different conferences. The guys also spend some time speaking to Robert about the current years edition of the Dragons, and what Amari Williams' ceiling might be - and why. And everyone agrees with what the University of Delaware now knows - Keishana Washington is trouble if you're in an opposing jersey. Thanks to Robert for joining the Pod, and we look forward to having him back again in the near future to fill us in about his pro career!

In honor of Black History Month, this episode is an encore presentation of two pioneering Black artists and the legacy they left in the performing arts.   Vinnette Justine Carroll, PhD - Actress, Playwright, Director, Teacher Vinnette Justine Carroll's professionalism in theatrical arts paved way for black professionals in the industry. She was an actress and playwright who expressed herself through gospel music. In a 1979 interview, Carroll told The Times, “I decided my salvation was to create something for myself, a theater for myself and others where your main worry wasn't getting a TV series. When I first heard gospel -- I'd grown up in the Anglican church -- I just flipped. You mean religion can be like this?” She was the first black female to direct on Broadway as well as receive a Tony nomination for direction in Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, a gospel-infused musical revue. The show was conceived by Carroll and Micki Grant supplied the music and lyrics. It was nominated for four Tony Awards. Four years later, she was reunited with Grant, along with Alex Bradford, in the production of Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, which earned them three more Tony nominations.  Perhaps nothing sums up Carroll's indomitable spirit better than her own words. In a 1967 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Carroll shared part of her experience as an artist, saying: “I have had a great deal of hurt in the theater both as a Negro and as a woman, but I don't get immobilized by it.” Learn more about Carroll's life and arts career - https://iforcolor.org/vinnette-carroll/ Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope - https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/reviews/dont-bother-me-i-cant-cope_85983.html Vinnette Carroll Repertory Company - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnTRHStO8ho       Alvin Ailey - Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic Director When it comes to the performing arts and certainly to dance, there are few people more worthy of admiration, of inspiration and imitation than Alvin Ailey. He was both uniquely gifted and qualified to tell the African-American experience which he lived and saw and reacted to through the art of dance.  One of my most treasured experiences and memories of being here in New York City is getting to watch the Alvin Ailey American dance concerts each winter and summer. They consist of powerful and moving performances by amazingly talented dancers. And so it was only natural that my thoughts would go to the stories and emotions told through the pieces that Alvin Ailey choreographed himself, namely his iconic Revelations, which was inspired by his involvement within the Southern Black church. In fact, all of his work came forth from the people and places and experiences of his life.    Learn more about Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, and Lester Horton  Watch Ailey's masterpieces: Cry, Masekela Langage, and Revelations  Videos and interviews used in the making of this Alvin Ailey tribute: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at 50 A Golden Anniversary Celebration  Big Lives: Profiles of LGBT African Americans - Alvin Ailey  Alvin Ailey Celebrates 50th - CBS Judith Jamison: Early Days with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Alvin Ailey and the Importance of the Arts - The New Yorker Alvin Ailey connects cultures through dance Alvin Ailey speaking at UCLA  - 3/9/1983 Revelations from a lifetime of dance - TEDtalk      Show Your Support Please consider a one-time donation (via PayPal) or a monthly subscription to bonus episodes (via Supercast) to support the ongoing work and mission of Why I'll Never Make It. Whichever way you choose to contribute, your help is so very much appreciated!    

Lorin Latarro is the choreographer for Broadway's MRS. DOUBTFIRE, ALMOST FAMOUS, The Public's THE VISITOR, and Broadway bound THE OUTSIDERS and LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE.  Lorin choreographed Broadway and London's WAITRESS and LA TRAVIATA at The Met Opera. Lorin is directing Candace Bushnell's one woman show, IS THERE STILL SEX IN THE CITY. Additional Broadway choreography includes Les Liaisons Dangereuse with Janet McTeer and Liev Schreiber, and Waiting for Godot with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Lorin is the Associate Choreographer of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and American Idiot. Rigoletto at The Met Opera (assoc), Huey Lewis's Heart of Rock And Roll (Old Globe), Merrily We Roll Along (Roundabout), Chess (The Kennedy Center), Lin-Manuel Miranda's 21 Chump Street for “This American Life” (Brooklyn Academy of Music), The Public Theater's Twelfth Night and The Odyssey (Delacorte Theater), Queen of the Night which garnered a Drama Desk Award (Diamond Horseshoe), Assassins, Fanny, and God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (City Center Encores!), Superhero (Second Stage), Beaches (Drury Lane Theatre), and A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre Center). Lorin directed #DateMe at The Westside Theatre, A Taste Of Things To Come at Chicago On Broadway and The York. Lorin performed in fourteen Broadway shows including Twyla Tharp's Movin' Out, Fosse, Swing!, Kiss Me Kate, A Chorus Line, and Man Of La Mancha. Lorin danced for Robert Wilson, Martha Graham, and Momix. Lorin has also worked with Pina Bausch, Jiri Kylian, Robert Battle, Frankie Manning, Ryan Francois, Pete Townsend, Green Day, Sara Bareilles, Melissa Etheridge, Cameron Crowe, and Charlize Theron. Ms. Latarro holds a BFA from The Juilliard School where she is also an adjunct professor. She also holds a degree from NYU Tisch Film And Television Directing Fundamentals. She is a Drama Desk, Lortel, and Chita Rivera nominee. Lorin has traveled to India and Africa multiple times to work with The Gates Foundation in family health and planning. Lorin is the founder of ArtAmmmo.org Artists Against Gun Violence as seen in the NY Times, PBS, Rachel Maddow, BBC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The DeKalb History Center is hosting its 14th Annual Black History Month Celebration with an event called “Soul Food in DeKalb: A Tasty History.” Producer Summer Evans speaks with two of the presenters -- Chef Asata Reid & culinary historian Akila McConnell. And, Lois Reitzes speaks with Robert Battle, Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My guest is Kimberly Jones. In the midst of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in the aftermath of the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Brianna Taylor and far too many others. In six minutes and 46 seconds jones captured the hearts, minds and spirit of a community coming to grips with the racial reckoning that is upon us. Kimberly jones is Atlanta-based. She's an activist and now an author. She's written, "How We Can Win: Race, History and Changing the Money Game That's Rigged. We also spend a few minutes with Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returning to Atlanta February 10-13.

This month would have been Alvin Ailey's 91st birthday; the celebrated modern dance visionary died in 1989. Decades later, his choreography is as vibrant as ever and his company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater remains as innovative. Christopher Booker spoke with the company's artistic director Robert Battle about Ailey's legacy. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Robert Battle – Artistic Director – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater   Robert Battle is the artistic director for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - only the third person to hold the title in its history. Originally from Miami, Battle graduated from Juilliard in 1994 and started his own dance company in 2001. From carrying a hammer in his dance bag to living at the YMCA while attending Juilliard, Robert's path has not been an easy one. He was named one of the “Masters of African American Choreography” by the Kennedy Center, and is the author of the book My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey.   Follow To Dine For: Official Website: ToDineForTV.com Facebook: Facebook.com/ToDineForTV Instagram: @ToDineForTV Twitter: @KateSullivanTV Email: ToDineForTV@gmail.com   Thank You to our Sponsors! American National Insurance Spiritless - Use promo code TODINEFOR for free shipping Terlato Wine Group - Use promo code TODINEFOR for 15% off   Follow Our Guest: Official Site: AlvinAiley.org Facebook: Facebook.com/AlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater Instagram: @AlvinAiley

For this episode of “Inside Contemporary Dance”, I sat down to chat with my dear friend, and the beautiful dancer, Lisa Mariani.Lisa was born in Cremona, Italy. Her professional education began at Scuola di Balletto Classico Cosi - Stefanescu, and was continued at Balletto di Toscana. She went on to receive a scholarship to train with the Peridance Capezio Center in New York City, where she graduated with Honors and Excellence in Contemporary Dance. Afterward, she apprenticed with Parsons Dance Company and began freelancing with companies and projects all around the world, working with choreographers such as Desmond Richardson, Robert Battle, and Igal Perry. In 2017, Lisa joined Balletto Teatro di Torino, where she has performed works by renowned choreographers such as Ella Rothschild, Andrea Costanzo Martini, Yin Yue, and Manfredi Perego.Since 2019, she has also been a student of the Faculty of Motor Sciences, and she has been sharing her passion for physicality and the functional movement in various online projects.During our conversation, we covered a variety of topics:* Her brave decision to move to New York at 18 to pursue her career, and all the challenges along the way, including learning English from scratch, and having to spend a night sleeping in the streets.* Her first experiences as a professional dancer in New York, the frenetic nature of freelance life, and the decision to pursue a career closer to her loved ones. * Her dedication to pursuing auditions and opportunities, doubts she's had to overcome, the conviction that everything happens for a reason, and that every audition is an opportunity to learn and grow. * Putting together a video reel, audition applications, and choosing the “perfect outfits”. Is there a magic formula to get invited?* Her experience dancing for Balletto Teatro di Torino.* Rituals before performances.* Her decision to start studying at the “University of Motor Sciences” in Turin, Italy, studying the mechanics of the body and working with non-dancers. * Her thoughts on a future after her professional performance career.* How to balance work with private life and being with one's partner. * Fighting the constant desire for more and “better,” and cultivating the art of happiness and gratitude for what is.Lisa's recommendations: 1) “The thinking body” by Mabel Elsworth Todd.2) Italian physician and coach: Filippo Ongaro.Follow Lisa:Facebook: @Lisa MarianiIIInstagram: @lisamariani7Follow “Inside Contemporary Dance”:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidecontemporarydance/Website: https://www.insidecontemporarydance.com/If you enjoyed this podcast, please spread the love! Like, subscribe, share it with your friends - and most importantly, please leave a rating or review, on whatever platform you're listening from. The more positive ratings this show has, the more it will get promoted, and that means more beautiful listeners!My many thanks go to:Ariel Isakowitz - Texts editor, general consultor & dear friend Carl Albrecht - Mix and soundMarco Dray - Original musicDagmara Śliwińska - Podcast cover photoMoritz Wright - Podcast cover photo designThomas Bewernick -  Sound, recording, & being there every step of the wayMy dear family - Because I love youLast but not least - YOU. My dear listeners. You are the life and spirit behind the podcast. THANK YOU!

lois Reitzes speaks with Robert Battle, the artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Film Director Jamila Wignot, about the new documentary film "Ailey".Plus, Senior Producer Kim Drobes talks to fashion designer Alissa Bertrand about her upcycled clothing line Jabella Fleur. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tina and Hillary cover former East Chicago Councilman Robert Battle and former FBI Agent Mark Felt. For show notes and links to our sources, please click here (https://themuckpodcast.fireside.fm/articles/ep68notes).

In this episode, we beam Bull City Ciderworks Durham Manager, Robert Battle, up to the universe of Star Trek! Robby tells us his Star Trek origins story while explaining the universal lessons it can teach the world. Where would he want to travel in the Holodeck? Plus, you don't want to miss his William Shatner story!

A native of Buffalo, New York, Naila Ansari (she/her) is an award-winning choreographer, director, and performing artist. She is a distinguished MFA graduate from the University at Buffalo in Dance and a Cum Laude undergraduate of Point Park's Conservatory of Performing Arts Program. Ansari is an original and former principal dancer for the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble. The company was named “Top 25 Dance Companies to Watch” in Dance Magazine for the 2012-2013 season, featured at Jacob's Pillow and SummerStage NYC at Central Park. Ansari has danced and performed works for the legendary Lula Washington Dance Theatre out of Los Angeles, CA. She has had the privilege of dancing works by Robert Battle, Kyle Abraham, Camille A. Brown, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Sidra Bell, and Trebien Pollard, to name a few. Ansari's choreography has been set on a host of colleges, universities, professional theatres, and commercial projects. As an Assistant Professor in Theatre and Africana Studies at SUNY Buffalo State College, Ansari has merged artistry and scholarship to build and create works through community and collaborative processes that facilitate conversations on race and Black performance. She has published articles in Theatre Journal, received numerous grants and awards such as the New York State DanceForce Grant, and The Pittsburgh Courier 40 under 40 awards. Ansari is a research assistant and assistant choreographer for AT BUFFALO the Musical and the recent AT BUFFALO TED TALK under award-winning artist and scholar Dr. Amma Y. Ghartey-Tagoe Kootin. Ansari's award-winning choreographed work "Mine Eyes Have Seen" was selected and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C for the American College Dance Association awards in 2018. Ansari is a collaborator with the UB Arts Collaboratory under the direction of Bronwyn Keenan. Her most recent project and a forthcoming book, The Movement of Joy, focuses on the performance of joy through the creative archiving of oral histories, movement histories, live-performance, and film. Ansari is currently the Dance Director for Ujima Company, inc. selected by the late Lorna C. Hill.

Check out DanceConnectSeries.com for more information on each guest! Instagram: @danceconnectseries -------- Jazmine Colón is a Philadelphia based dance artist from West Palm Beach, Florida. In West Palm Beach, Jazmine graduated from Alexander W. Dreyfoos Highschool of the Arts. In 2019, Jazmine graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. At UArts, she had the pleasure of performing in works choreographed by Bobbi Jene Smith, Andrea Miller, Jesse Zaritt, Sidra Bell, Paul Matteson, Jennifer Nugent, Helen Simoneau, and Beth Gill. She also has had the opportunity to study abroad in France and Belgium, dancing and learning from artists such as Daniel Condomine, Gala Moody, and Clinton Stringer. Jazmine has also danced alongside companies including BODYTRAFFIC, Hofesh Shechter Co., Akram Khan Dance Co., and Chunky Move. After graduating, She was given the opportunity to assist Elisa Clark in the restaging of Mass by Robert Battle, Jimena Paz in the restaging of Stephen Petronio's Lareigne, and Annie Rigney for her new work Etude for Elbow, all at Uarts. She is a current member of Ballet Florida, a South-Florida based dance company. Jazmine is also the small business owner and Designer of the work is never over, creating handmade dance wear that celebrates inclusivity of all bodies. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Lois Reitzes talks with Jon Carr of Dad's Garage and actor/improviser Gina Rickikicki about the sketch-comedy show "Laugh Track," a collaboration between Dad's Garage and the Alliance Theatre; Calinda Lee, the head of programs and exhibitions at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights about her work; and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre artistic director Robert Battle about the company's commitment to bring people together.

Lois Reitzes interviews writer and producer Dayton Duncan about the Ken Burns documentary series "The National Parks: America's Best Idea"; and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater artistic director Robert Battle.

Lois Reitzes talks with Karla Redding-Andrews about her new children's book "Respect"; Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre about their participation in the ELEVATE Festival; Birder and host of "Birds of North America" Jason Ward about birding while black and what's next for Fall and Winter birding in Atlanta.

The full list from my website - I have skipped some just because this is the longest podcats I have ever recorded and I wanted you to get the end! But I think maybe it's a good way to see the sheer diversity that goes into my thinking and writing. *Note - slight slip where I called it the 'Progressive' Democrats Convention this week - But that has been because it's been so Progressive to me! I think it is really important to credit others work – what has gone before you. And to allow your readers/listeners and so on to form their own opinions of the work. You don’t have to love or agree for them to inspire you – but many of these are my heroes. Not in any order – just as they came to mind. I seem to add to the list weekly as I continue to learn. Pina Bausch, Alvin Aliey (American Dance Theater), CoisCéim Dance Theatre, Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, Lorraine Hansberry, Robert Nemiroff, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, June Jordan, Jason Reynolds, Nina Simone, Many Black Female Singers (too many to name), Kahlil Gibran, Mary Haskell, Gloria Steinem, Francoise Dolto, Maria Montessori, Eleanor Roosevelt, Katharine Cook Briggs, Isabel Briggs-Myers, Carl Jung, David Keirsey, Jane Goodall, Rachel Carson, David Attenborough, Charles Darwin, Florence Nightingale, Maya Angelou, Sister Consilio, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Elizabeth Warren, Hillary Clinton, John Lewis, Rev. James Lawson, Imani Perry, Marie Currie, Daniel Bernoulli, Periodic Table of Elements, Isaac Newton, Leonardo da Vinci, Eileen Grey, René Magritte, Jack B. Yeats, Futurism, Cubism, Celie and Maud Baring, Lambay, Beatrix Potter, Céline Sciamma, Cédric Klapisch, François Ozon, Ethan Hawke, Alexandre Desplat, Yasmina Reza, Henrik Ibsen, Tennessee Williams, Seán O’Casey, Macnas, THEATREclub, Emma Watson, Cate Blanchett, The Matrix, Charlie Chaplin, Rebecca Miller, Lionel Logue, Dr Seuss, Paddington, The Giver, Rules for a Knight, Eckhart Tolle, Dan Millman, Albert Espinosa, Rumi, Rupi Kaur, Madeline L’Engle, John Berger, Robert Webb, Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese , Star Belly Sneetches, Miss Marple, Poirot, Harry Potter, My life with chimpanzees, Fannie Flagg, J.K. Rowling, Stella Cottrell, Oprah Winfrey, Pamela Druckerman, Edward de Bono, Howard Gardner, Anna Gavalda, Roody Doyle, Ali Smith, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Susan Hampshire, Sarah Crossan, Angie Thomas, Malorie Blackman, Gary Zukav, Paulo Coelho, Zoë Keating, Colm Mac Iomaire, All INFJ’s.

Lois Reitzes interviews Carl Anthony and Leatrice Ellzy about the virtual series "Conversations about Jazz and Other Distractions" hosted by Hammonds House Museum; as well as Robert Battle and Donald Byrd about the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's performance of "Greenwood," based on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

This week's #AudTalk features Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle. Battle joins Auditorium CEO Rich Regan to discuss Ailey's history, it's connection to the Auditorium, and more!

What behaviors differentiate a Director from a Senior Director? What traits does a CEO need to demonstrate to be successful in their role that are similar or different from what an Admin Assistant needs? On this episode we're talking tools, specifically one called The Behavior Dashboard. We chat with Pallavi Sharma and Jillian Wright who lead the creation of The Behavior Dashboard. The Dashboard was developed by the team at Fractured Atlas to help staff articulate the often murky area of behaviors and "soft skills" that differentiate what’s necessary for someone to succeed and thrive at different levels in the organization. The tool can then help identify specific areas for professional development that can "level up" someone's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Pallavi and Jillian talk about the journey they took with colleagues to lead to the creation of this tool, what is it exactly, how can it be used, and what questions and future hopes they still have for it.  If you want to follow along at home, you can download a copy of Fractured Atlas's Behavior Dashboard from the Work. Shouldn't. Suck. website (https://www.workshouldntsuck.co/) . Pallavi Sharma currently serves as the Chief Program Officer of Fractured Atlas where she oversees the team responsible for program strategy and growth, product development, customer service, and R&D. Prior to joining Fractured Atlas, Pallavi was a full-time consultant helping nonprofit organizations and women entrepreneurs develop strategies, streamline operations, improve team effectiveness, and market themselves successfully. Her previous roles were varied and global, including working at large organizations like 1800Flowers.com and Everyday Health Inc., to startups funded by Goldman Sachs, as well as an early stint in the luxury retail industry in India. After her 16+ years in the corporate sector, Pallavi is excited to transition her skills and experience to follow her passion for the nonprofit space. Pallavi is a voracious reader, an aspiring writer and a lover of all things in nature – plants, animals, even bugs. Pallavi completed her MBA from IIM, Bangalore India and holds a Bachelor’s degree with triple majors in Psychology, English Literature and Journalism. Jillian Wright is currently the Senior Director, People Operations & Controller at Fractured Atlas, an organization she joined in 2010. As Controller, she manages and oversees all financial procedures and policies for the organization, as well as supervises compliance reporting including the annual organizational audit. As a member of the People Team, Jillian manages the company payroll and benefits, and assists in the organization's strategic HR efforts. Prior to Fractured Atlas, she worked in arts management and accounting for Stephen Petronio Company, Robert Battle’s Battleworks Dance Company, The Center for Kinesthetic Education, and The Diller-Quaile School of Music. In her spare time, Jillian enjoys taking ballet class, gardening, and hiking with her family. Jillian is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR).

PODCAST VERSION Our Special Guest today is State Street Ballet's Associate Director, Leila Drake Leila has been State Street Ballet's Associate Director since 2015, and State Street Ballet is celebrating 25 years this year! Since joining State Street Ballet in 2005 she has performed in nearly every production in the company's repertoire. Leila has been a featured soloist in works by Robert Battle, Nancy Colahan, Autumn Eckman, William Soleau, Josie Walsh, and appeared as a Principal Guest Artist with The Ithaca Ballet in their full-length Swan Lake, and has toured extensively both nationally and internationally. She was the recipient of the Apogee Award for Excellence in Dance Performance and also received the Indy Dance Award for “Best Duet” for Arabian in The Nutcracker. Leila Drake is from Santa Cruz, CA, and graduated from UC-Santa Barbara with a double major in Art History and Film Studies. Leila retired from full-time dancing in 2017, but continues to perform with the company on a project-to-project basis. Sleeping Beauty March 14 at The Granada in Santa Barbara CA A modern take on a favorite fairytale, Sleeping Beauty is the newest story ballet in our Family Series. Performed to Tchaikovsky's celebrated score, this is a full-length world premiere, combining classical elements with updated choreography and motifs. Appropriate for audiences of all ages, this joyful production features intricately designed sets, visionary costumes, and virtuosic dancing that has become symbolic of the classical ballet repertoire. An evening to be enjoyed by all! Saturday, March 14, 2020; 7:30 pm at The Granada Theatre Support State Street Ballet & Donate Today State Street Ballet exists to bring the beauty and power of dance to the widest possible audience and to inspire the next generation of creative minds. We believe in art that unifies and connects us, that makes us more tolerant, and strengthens our communities. Support from you, our donors, helps us fulfill our mission. Your generosity gives us the ability to commission original new works; bring our innovative arts outreach programs to thousands of schoolchildren; take our shows on the road through our extensive touring; and engage our dancers in work that helps them develop and emerge as creative artists and thinkers. Your donations are all greatly appreciated and we thank you for your investment in our future. Donate online at statestreetballet.com

RADIO VERSION Our Special Guest today is State Street Ballet's Associate Director, Leila Drake Leila has been State Street Ballet's Associate Director since 2015, and State Street Ballet is celebrating 25 years this year! Since joining State Street Ballet in 2005 she has performed in nearly every production in the company's repertoire. Leila has been a featured soloist in works by Robert Battle, Nancy Colahan, Autumn Eckman, William Soleau, Josie Walsh, and appeared as a Principal Guest Artist with The Ithaca Ballet in their full-length Swan Lake, and has toured extensively both nationally and internationally. She was the recipient of the Apogee Award for Excellence in Dance Performance and also received the Indy Dance Award for “Best Duet” for Arabian in The Nutcracker. Leila Drake is from Santa Cruz, CA, and graduated from UC-Santa Barbara with a double major in Art History and Film Studies. Leila retired from full-time dancing in 2017, but continues to perform with the company on a project-to-project basis. Sleeping Beauty March 14 at The Granada in Santa Barbara CA A modern take on a favorite fairytale, Sleeping Beauty is the newest story ballet in our Family Series. Performed to Tchaikovsky's celebrated score, this is a full-length world premiere, combining classical elements with updated choreography and motifs. Appropriate for audiences of all ages, this joyful production features intricately designed sets, visionary costumes, and virtuosic dancing that has become symbolic of the classical ballet repertoire. An evening to be enjoyed by all! Saturday, March 14, 2020; 7:30 pm at The Granada Theatre Support State Street Ballet & Donate Today State Street Ballet exists to bring the beauty and power of dance to the widest possible audience and to inspire the next generation of creative minds. We believe in art that unifies and connects us, that makes us more tolerant, and strengthens our communities. Support from you, our donors, helps us fulfill our mission. Your generosity gives us the ability to commission original new works; bring our innovative arts outreach programs to thousands of schoolchildren; take our shows on the road through our extensive touring; and engage our dancers in work that helps them develop and emerge as creative artists and thinkers. Your donations are all greatly appreciated and we thank you for your investment in our future. Donate online at statestreetballet.com

Margaret Atwood's long-awaited sequel to The Handmaid's Tale - The Testaments - is due to be published next Tuesday, but following the release of a number of copies by Amazon, reviewers have managed to obtain early copies. M J Hyland reviews Atwood's sequel which takes place 15 years after the original tale of Gilead. In 1958 Alvin Ailey, aware that there were few opportunities for African-American dancers and choreographers, founded a company to tell the stories of black people through movement. Since then the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has become one of the most popular modern ensembles in the world. The company's artistic director, Robert Battle, talks to Kirsty Lang about its history, ambition and that constant difficulty – how to get boys to dance. Conductor, composer and pianist Ryan Wigglesworth is playing all three roles in this year's BBC Proms. He discusses the challenge, and considers how his early experience as a chorister influenced his future compositions. Presenter Kirsty Lang Producer Jerome Weatherald

In the 15th installment of "Offstage and Unbound," The Music Center's President and CEO Rachel Moore chats with Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Since the 1980’s, the partners and loved ones of drug addicts and alcoholics have been called codependents and enablers. They’re told their behavior is causing or exacerbating the addict’s behavior and to search out what’s wrong inside themselves. Rob Weiss, a longtime addiction professional and psychotherapist has turned this notion of co-dependence on its head, claiming that these people should be commended for their ongoing love and support, and should be provided with a number of coping skills.Later we hear from Robert Battle. He’s the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. The company is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and Battle talks about the past and future of this groundbreaking dance troupe.

For over 50 years, Cal Performances at UC Berkeley has fostered a strong partnership with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Since the company's debut performance at Wheeler Hall in March of 1968, it has played a central role in Cal Performances’ dance programming for half a century. To commemorate the milestone 50th anniversary, then-executive and artistic director of Cal Performances Matías Tarnopolsky sat down with Battle in March 2018 for a conversation about his experience as an African American choreographer, artistic influences and vision for the Ailey company.Listen and read the transcript on Berkeley News. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

PHOTO CREDIT David Bazemore Go check out Chris Fossek & Leila Drake this Friday, August 10th at 8 pm at the new Vic! Get your tickets here NOW http://www.chrisfossekmusic.com Get to know Chris & his wife Leila and the "behind the scenes" before the show! Check out Leila and The State Street Ballet here: https://www.statestreetballet.com Chris Fossek, Musician and Composer, has performed as a soloist and in ensembles in such venues as the Olympic Stadium of Rome, the RedCat Theater at Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, and the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. He is also a Top-Ten Billboard charting recording artist and composer. Chris holds a Master's Degree in Guitar Performance from the California Institute of the Arts, where he was greatly inspired by his mentor, world-renowned guitarist, improvisor, and composer, Miroslav Tadic. Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised studying classical piano music, Chris has also lived for years in Italy, where he studied piano with Stefania Bellodi in Modena, and attended the faculty of DAMS at the University of Bologna. He has lived in Spain and Germany, and has traveled extensively throughout the "Greater Mediterranean" in such countries as Portugal, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Lebanon and Turkey. His compositions are a unique blend of classical music, flamenco, Eastern European folk music, and rock ‘n' roll, and in 2017 he released his debut album Camino Cielo, to both critical and popular acclaim. Leila Drake, Dancer, is from Santa Cruz, CA, and is a graduate of UC-Santa Barbara with a double major in Art History and Film Studies. Since joining State Street Ballet in 2005 she has performed in nearly every production in the company's repertoire, including the principal roles in Carmen, An American Tango, Carmina Burana, Appalachian Spring, and Scheherazade. Leila has been a featured soloist in works by Robert Battle, Nancy Colahan, Autumn Eckman, William Soleau, Josie Walsh, and Edgar Zendejas, and appeared as a principal Guest Artist with The Ithaca Ballet in their full-length Swan Lake. Leila has toured extensively both nationally and internationally with the company and was the recipient of the 2016 Apogee Award for Excellence in Dance Performance for her work in Common Ground, Carmina Burana, and The Nutcracker. She also serves as Associate Director of State Street Ballet. --

RADIO VERSION Go check out Chris Fossek & Leila Drake this Friday, August 10th at 8 pm at the new Vic! Get your tickets here NOW www.chrisfossekmusic.com Get to know Chris & his wife Leila and the "behind the scenes" before the show! Check out Leila and The State Street Ballet here: www.statestreetballet.com Chris Fossek, Musician and Composer, has performed as a soloist and in ensembles in such venues as the Olympic Stadium of Rome, the RedCat Theater at Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, and the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. He is also a Top-Ten Billboard charting recording artist and composer. Chris holds a Master's Degree in Guitar Performance from the California Institute of the Arts, where he was greatly inspired by his mentor, world-renowned guitarist, improvisor, and composer, Miroslav Tadic. Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised studying classical piano music, Chris has also lived for years in Italy, where he studied piano with Stefania Bellodi in Modena, and attended the faculty of DAMS at the University of Bologna. He has lived in Spain and Germany, and has traveled extensively throughout the "Greater Mediterranean" in such countries as Portugal, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Lebanon and Turkey. His compositions are a unique blend of classical music, flamenco, Eastern European folk music, and rock ‘n' roll, and in 2017 he released his debut album Camino Cielo, to both critical and popular acclaim. Leila Drake, Dancer, is from Santa Cruz, CA, and is a graduate of UC-Santa Barbara with a double major in Art History and Film Studies. Since joining State Street Ballet in 2005 she has performed in nearly every production in the company's repertoire, including the principal roles in Carmen, An American Tango, Carmina Burana, Appalachian Spring, and Scheherazade. Leila has been a featured soloist in works by Robert Battle, Nancy Colahan, Autumn Eckman, William Soleau, Josie Walsh, and Edgar Zendejas, and appeared as a principal Guest Artist with The Ithaca Ballet in their full-length Swan Lake. Leila has toured extensively both nationally and internationally with the company and was the recipient of the 2016 Apogee Award for Excellence in Dance Performance for her work in Common Ground, Carmina Burana, and The Nutcracker. She also serves as Associate Director of State Street Ballet.

Robert Battle is the third artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the NYC-based modern dance company founded in 1958. Seven years into his term, Robert is at the forefront of a company that has always been an incubator for work that focuses on social justice and social change. This is most evident in the success of Ailey's masterwork, Revelations (1960), which was born out of the choreographer's “blood memories” of his childhood in rural Texas and the Baptist Church. Arguably one of the purest tributes to the resilience of the human spirit, Revelations is still very much alive and relevant today. In this episode of the IVY Podcast, moderated by IVY's Arts and Culture Director Phil Chan, we are lucky enough to hear all about it directly from Robert Battle himself.

All the people clamoring to get into Broadway shows like "Wicked" and "The Book of Mormon" – or museum shows like the Rain Room at MoMa – are apparently the exception, rather than the rule. That's the conclusion of a new survey of public participation released last week by the National Endowment for the Arts. It shows an overall decline in arts consumption by Americans, with a particular drop-off in museum and theater attendance. There were smaller dips in classical music and ballet audiences too. But it wasn't all gloom and doom: Audiences are growing more racially and ethnically diverse.  And there are hints that technology is playing a larger role in how we consume culture. On Oct. 3, Conducting Business brought a group of prominent arts leaders to The Greene Space to explore these recent findings and their implications. Joining us were Oskar Eustis, artistic director of New York’s Public Theater; Robert Battle, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater; Jesse Rosen, president and CEO of the League of American Orchestras; Anne Midgette, classical music critic of the Washington Post, and Graham Parker, general manager of WQXR. Naomi Lewin hosted the event, of which the archived video is below.   What do you think is behind the decline in audiences? What can arts organizations do to attract new patrons? Please leave your comments in the box at the bottom of this page, or Tweet us at @WQXR. Below are three salient findings from the NEA's Survey of Public Participation in the Arts: Please leave your questions in the comments box below, or Tweet us at @WQXR #NEASPPA.

In this second of two episodes, Masazumi Chaya talks about the 21-year tenure of Judith Jamison –former star dancer and muse to Alvin Ailey– as Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He describes his own 40-year contribution to the company as well as his future plans, and speaks about the company's touring and pioneering in the fields of outreach and education. In closing, he talks about Robert Battle, AAADT's current Artistic Director.

Robert Battle discusses his first season as artistic head of the Alvin Ailey company.

Robert Battle discusses his first season as artistic head of the Alvin Ailey company. [33:04]

Robert Battle discusses his first season as artistic head of the Alvin Ailey company. [33:04]

Robert Battle discusses his first season as artistic head of the Alvin Ailey company. [33:04]

Welcome to the Alabama Dance Council's inaugural podcast! In our first episode, Tere Weklser, Artistic Director of Southern Danceworks, interviews Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Battleworks Dance Company. Robert will be in Birmingham January 16-18 teaching the Choreography Intensive for the 2009 Alabama Dance Festival.