Masazumi Chaya is a Japanese American dancer, choreographer and was the associate artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) from 1991 to 2020.[1]
Masazumi Chaya | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 21, 1947 |
| Occupation(s) | Choreographer, dancer |
| Years active | 1972–present |
Early life
editChaya was born and trained in classical ballet in Fukuoka, Japan,[2] to a doctor and nurse.[3] He found his way into theater as a dresser in his teenage years, and later as a musical theater dancer on stage and on television in Tokyo.
He moved to New York City in December 1970,[4] after questioning whether he was getting work in Japan for being a male, instead of for his ability.[5]
Career
editChaya performed with AAADT for fifteen years beginning in 1972, becoming rehearsal director after retiring from dancing in 1987[6][7] and also serving as choreographic assistant to Alvin Ailey before Ailey's death in 1989.[8] Chaya was named AAADT's associate artistic director in 1991 by Judith Jamison.[2] From 1991 to 2020, Chaya served as Associate Artistic Director of the Company. [9]
Chaya has staged and re-staged various Ailey works, rehearsed dancers, and taught company class for AAADT.[3] He primarily teaches Ailey dances that he has performed.[6]
Chaya has focused on maintaining the spirit of Ailey's dances with today's performers, who have generally not experienced the same life challenges as Ailey's dancers of the past.[3] He's credited with providing continuity to AAADT over the years.[10][6][11]
Former director Judith Jamison referred to him as the "miracle of this company," who "can remember details and dances like no other."[5]
Ballet stagings
edit- Alvin Ailey's Flowers for the State Ballet of Missouri 1990
- Alvin Ailey's The River for the Royal Swedish Ballet 1993, Ballet Florida 1995, National Ballet of Prague 1995, Pennsylvania Ballet 1996 and Colorado Ballet 1998
Ballet re-stagings
edit- The Mooche for AAADT
- The Stack-Up for AAADT
- Episodes for AAADT
- Bad Blood for AAADT
- Hidden Rites for AAADT
- Urban Folk Dance for AAADT
- Witness for AAADT
- The River for North Carolina Dance Theatre and Julio Bocca's Ballet Argentina
- Blues Suite for AADT
- Judith Jamison's Hymn for AADT
References
edit- ^ Kourlas, Gia (8 July 2019). "Alvin Ailey's Associate Artistic Director to Step Down". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Masazumi Chaya Celebrates 35 Years with Alvin Ailey Dance". Broadway World. 12 November 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ a b c Dunning, Jennifer (8 December 2002). "DANCE; An Aide of All Trades Who Keeps Things Moving". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ "Masazumi Chaya". Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 9 February 2010. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ a b Wright, Frankie (26 April 1991). "Keeping Ailey on Its Toes : Choreography: The dance company is staying true to its late founder's vision, but it is also fostering the new". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ a b c Bleiberg (17 February 2006). "Dance: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater keeps the faith". Orange County Register. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ "Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: 50 Years Cultural Ambassador to the World". Library of Congress. 8 May 2008. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ "Masazumi Chaya: Biography". The Kennedy Center. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ "Masazumi Chaya". Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- ^ MacMillan, Kyle (27 March 2008). "With 50 years under its feet, Alvin Ailey stays true to tradition of branching out". The Denver Post. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ Dunning, Jennifer (21 December 2007). "Ailey Family Celebrates One of Its Own". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
External links
edit- Masazumi Chaya, Celebrating 35 Years
- Masazumi Chaya, Associate Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
- Directors: Masazumi Chaya
- Masazumi Chaya in Alvin Ailey's dance production Revelations