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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2024)
Page 10 The Skanner Portland & Seattle February 21, 2024 Black History Month Alvin Ailey: Dance Pioneer CARL VAN VECHTEN, PUBLIC DOMAIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Alvin Ailey emerged as a luminary in the dance world, a visionary whose profound effect transcends the boundaries of the stage. The Skanner News B orn Jan. 5, 1931, in Rogers, Texas, Ailey’s journey from a small town to the dazzling lights of Broadway transformed the landscape of modern dance, leaving an endur- ing legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Growing up in poverty after his father abandoned the family and his mother was raped, he found so- lace and self-discovery in dance, art and journal writing. He eventually moved to Los Angeles where he was able to explore the arts and take gymnastics. Under the mentor- ship of Lester Horton, Ailey honed his craft and developed a unique choreographic voice combining many dance styles from Native American-inspired styles to ballet. Hor- ton’s dance school was one of the first racially integrated schools in the U.S. When Horton died suddenly in 1953, Ailey took over the company as artistic di- rector. Alvin Ai- ley American Dance Theater In 1958, Ailey found- ed the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a ground- breaking ensemble that would become a cultural institution, fusing the elements of modern dance with the rich tapestry of Afri- can-American cultural expression. Ailey’s cho- reography breathed life into narratives inspired by the African-American experience, capturing the essence of struggle, resilience and triumph. His work stressed in- tersectionality even be- fore that phrase was pop- ular as he was also a gay man and his work com- bined theater, modern dance, ballet, jazz and the Black vernacular. The company’s signa- ture piece, “Revelations,” choreographed by Ai- ley in 1960, stands as a testament to his genius. An exploration of spir- ituals and gospel mu- sic, “Revelations” tran- scends dance, becoming a cultural touchstone that reflects the indom- itable spirit of the Afri- can-American commu- nity. It continues to be a highly popular ballet performed around the world. Obituary: Norman Branch July 29, 1955 - January 31, 2024 T dren, siblings, oday our e x t e n d e d beloved family, and Norman friends, was Branch is phenomenal. resting peace- He embraced fully amongst strangers, they others that became a part have gone be- of his family. fore him. He An influential has graciously Icon to people received his Norman Branch in Portland, wings of gold. Ore. Everyone looked up to Words of wis- him, he didn’t allow dom to his children were: any confusion. Like the “Never Fold”, “Keep Your strength of Gorilla glue, Word”, “Always Stand on he was the adhesive of Respect”, “Do Right by his family. Others” and “Keep Your A Five Star General, a Heart Right”. Legend, and Entrepre- Norman was a true neur, a successful busi- example of the phrase nessman who had a word blood, sweat and tears. when it came to taking From hard work through- care of business. out the years, achieving Mainly to his children all the goals he set for though, he was just “Dad- himself, is what made dy”. him the man he became. The love for his chil- Especially the goal of remodeling his parents’ home, the place he grew up in with his siblings, and able to share with his children. Happier days were spent around his close friends known as “The Dream Team”, fishing, on a boat enjoying life. One day Norman found himself on the edge of a fishing bank in his box- er’s and T-shirt, with a fishing pole in hand. He probably caught a lot of fish that day. (lol). Our beloved Norman is gone physically, but not in our hearts. He lives forever in our souls. This loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, relative and friend will be missed dearly for Mr. Norman Branch was one in a Zil- lion, not a Trillion or a Million.
