Sierra Leone-born choreographer Asadata Dafora blended his vision of a traditional African dance with Western staging in this groundbreaking 1932 solo set to Carl Riley’s score of African drumming and flute and performed Ailey dancer by Antonio Douthit-Boyd.
With arms flapping like wings, torso rippling and head held high, a warrior is transformed into the proud, powerful ostrich — the king of birds.
Alvin Ailey: Awassa Astrige- Ostrich by Asadata Dafora