Solomon Dumas is living his dream. As one of the newest members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), Dumas is making his New York City Center debut during the 2016 Ailey season November 30 through December 31. Dumas was bitten by the dance bug at age 12 after attending AileyCamp Chicago.
He continued training at the Russell Talbert Dance Studio and the New World School of the Arts before becoming a fellowship Level 1 student at The Ailey School. Dumas became a member of Ailey II, but after two years with the company he was not taken into the AAADT. Instead of becoming disillusioned he stayed focused on his artistic growth and continued dancing, teaching and choreographing.
During this period Dumas performed with Garth Fagan Dance, Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence, and Labyrinth Dance Theater, taught at The Center for The Arts & Culture in Brooklyn, and presented choreography with The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center. In May 2016 Dumas auditioned for the third time and joined the Ailey Company, making an impressive company debut in during the June 2016 Lincoln Center performances.
O&A NYC had an opportunity to talk to Solomon Dumas about his persistence and perseverance, and the transition into the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
A Conversation With Solomon Dumas
Video recorded at 42nd Street Studios
To enjoy more Alvin Ailey click below
11/25/16 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Revelations Excerpts- Hollywood Palace (1968)
https://outandaboutnycmag.com/112516-oa-nyc-shall-we-dance-friday-revelations-excerpts-hollywood-palace-1968/