By Walter Rutledge
Alvin Ailey dancer emeritus Dudley Williams would have celebrated his 85 birthday on August 18th. And although time is a very fickle and forgetful mistress Dudley remains of one the stars of the “Golden Age” of the Ailey company. His name is synonymous with dancers and choreographers such as Talley Beatty, John Butler, Louis Falco, George Faison, Miguel Godreau, Judith Jamison, Linda Kent, Kelvin Retardier,|Clive Thompson, Sara Yarborough, Estelle Spurlock and Donna Wood to name a few.
In 2003 the Romare Bearden Foundation and the Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theater were planning a centennial celebration for renowned artist Romare Bearden. The dance company would present a new work On The Block (after Bearden) based on the six panel mural by Bearden, which is in the permanent collection at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
At that time Williams was a 39 year veteran of the Ailey Company one year from a forty year milestone as an Ailey dancer. I called him, introduced myself and explained the project. We wanted him to play an abusive husband opposite Hope Clark. I finished the introduction with “I have called you the Lyric Crown Prince of modern dance but in this work I’m going to need you to be a real son of a bitch”.
He paused then quickly responded “I can do that”.
This began a working relationship and friendship that would last until his death in May of 2015. It’s been nine years still his transition and I still miss him. I miss Dudley’s dry wit and even drier Bombay Blue Sapphire Martini.
Here is Dudley and Dyane Harvey (reprising the role originally performed by Hope Clark) in Apt 1a from On The Block (after Bearden).
Dyane Harvey and Dudley Williams Apt. 1A
Walter, I always enjoy your Throw Backs in Dance Theatre, I remember when The legendary Mr. Audrey Preformed with Us at Harlem Hospital. We even took Photos with Him! Walter, if You still have the Photos, and can Locate Them , Please Text to Me.Again Thank You, and Blessings. Ms Ellie ❤️