Jennifer Dunning’s December 14, 1986 New York Times review of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater began with an acknowledgement to dancer Dudley Williams. The title and opening paragraphs says it all.
DANCE: DUDLEY WILLIAMS IN AILEY’S ‘LOVE SONGS’
By JENNIFER DUNNING
Published: December 14, 1986
It was Dudley Williams night when the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performed at City Center on Wednesday. Mr. Williams, an early member of the Ailey company, can still fill the stage with his subtle presence.
In ”Love Songs,” Mr. Ailey has given him the perfect vehicle. The 1972 solo, danced to a suite of three songs performed by Donny Hathaway and Nina Simone, is a pure exposition of Mr. Williams’s deft and sensitive phrasing, his long, lyrical arabesque and his ability to project the most delicate emotions up into the back of the balcony with the merest flick of the shoulder or tilt of the head. And to see Mr. Williams return as the brooding, limping Progenitor and waspish Club Manager in ”For Bird – With Love,” which followed ”Love Songs” on Wednesday’s program, was one of the evening’s high points.
On Thursday October 23, Clack Center NYC will host A Clark Center Conversation with Dudley Williams at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Bruno Walter Auditorium, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza at 6pm. Dance critic and author Jennifer Dunning will talk with Williams about his career that spans almost six decades. This free event will include photographs, video and of course a witty and informative repartee with modern dance’s lyric crown prince Dudley Williams. For tickets and more information visit www.clarkcenternyc.org or the link listed on the flyer below.
Walter,
O&A’s Shall we dance featuring Dudley Williams is exquisite. This most sensitive and expressive dancer, is most worthy of this recognition. I thank you for sharing, and I know he is going to be speechless.
Blessings.
Clive Thompson.