One of Martha Graham’s most memorable quotes, “It takes ten years, usually, to make a dancer. It takes ten years of handling the instrument, handling the material with which you are dealing, for you to know it completely.” This year marks Lloyd Knight’s tenth year with the Martha Graham Dance Company. His ascent through the ranks of the company culminated with Knight becoming a principal dancer prior to the 2015 New York City season.
Liz Gerring’s Lamentation Variations Christopher Jones Photographer
To watch Knight is to experience the physical embodiment of Graham’s ethos. He moves with a clarity of purpose; committed and impassioned, his physical sophistication transcends the technique. Knight understands that Graham is art; and that makes him a vital communicative brush stroke on her legendary choreographic canvas.
During the 2015 New York City season, which runs through February 22, at the Joyce Theater, Knight will perform in a diverse group of works showcasing has range, versatility and growth. He will dance in three in of the four new Lamentation Variations, Andonis Foniadakis’ Echo with Abdiel Jacobsen and Ying Xing and reprise his role as the Stranger in Graham’s Embattled Gardens. Knight is also in the cast of Nacho Duato’s all male work Rust, and At Summer’s Full- selections from Graham’s 1940 Letter to the World.
Conversation with Lloyd Knight
On the Tuesday, February 10th opening night gala Knight and American Ballet Theater soloist Misty Copeland performed the duet section from At Summer’s Full. The role was an ideal company debut for Copeland and showcased Knight as a sensitive, yet masterful partner. We had the opportunity to talk to Knight shortly before the New York City season about his career, Graham, and his future endeavors.
To read more about the Martha Graham Dance Company Season click below:
Liz Gerring’s Lamentation Variations Christopher Jones Photographer
https://outandaboutnycmag.com/2615-oa-martha-graham-dance-company-returns-to-the-joyce/