11/28/19 O&A NYC DANCE: A Conversation With Khalia Campbell- Her Journey Continues

By Walter Rutledge 

In the early 2000’s the Uptown Dance Academy was located in the large loft space above a discount department store in East Harlem. After climbing the steep double flight of stairs, I met a  group of young dancers warming up in a small subdivided studio. Director Robin Williams introduced me to the cherubic faced girls and boys; whose youthful exuberance and joy of endless possibilities filled the room. Williams and I had a brief conversation, which ended in a private joke. In the corner a girl stretching on the floor responded to my comment with a hearty “ole soul” laugh; that doe-eyed precocious eleven-year old was Khalia Campbell.

Lucky people find a profession; for the truly gifted- the career finds them. Dance clearly had found young Khalia; her long arms and legs, extremely pliant physique and strong work ethic made her an immediate standout. Her focused approach continued at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem School, the Ailey School and Ailey II. Khalia humbly refers to her impressive fledgling career as “her journey”. In the summer of 2018 that journey took an exciting new path when Khalia became a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.

A Conversation With Khalia Campbell- Her Journey Continues

Her journey continues next week as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre begins their New York City Center season, December 5, 2019 through January 5, 2020 (her second City Center season). One of the highlights will be the world premiere of Ounce of Faith by Darrell Grand Moultrie, which opens with a powerful “in front of curtain” solo performed by Campbell. O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge sat down with Khalia Campbell to discuss Ounce of Faith, her longtime artist/muse relationship with choreographer Moultrie, and the upcoming Ailey season.  

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater- (excerpt) Ounce of Faith by Darrell Grand Moultrie

For More Ailey News
A Conversation With Masazumi Chaya (Click Link Below)

https://outandaboutnycmag.com/12-23-19-oa-nyc-dance-a-conversation-with-masazumi-chaya-the-golden-age-of-ailey/

Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *