In a Dorchester skating rink, a lesson in ballet choreography from a pair of former dancers
Accompanied by percussionist Roderick Jackson, Robinson and Machanic patiently took an enthusiastic crowd of children, teens, adults, and seniors through the three soulful acts of 'Revelations,' set to passionate spirituals that the performers could sing along to.
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As they demonstrated the evocative movements, Robinson and Machanic also shared historical facts about Ailey's inspirations for 'Revelations,' rooted in his experiences growing up in Black churches in Texas. When the afternoon drew to a close, Machanic awarded T-shirts and prizes to participants who could recall some of these facts.
The dance theater and Boston arts nonprofit Celebrity Series have been in partnership for nearly 60 years, but this year is the first to see more than one community educational event, according to Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga, founder of OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center in Boston and program manager for the 'Revelations' event.
'We normally do one, but we did four this year,' Dibinga said. 'Renee and Amos are legends. They led three back-to-back workshops yesterday and their energy never changed, they're spectacular.'
The addition of three community events meant that around a thousand people in total were able to attend, Dibinga said.
Machanic said that hosting more events meant fulfilling the vision of Ailey himself, who believed 'dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people.'
Courtney Boston, the event's emcee, emphasized the importance of hosting these workshops in predominantly Black neighborhoods of greater Boston.
'We didn't want to have these events in Seaport or anywhere that our people might not have access to,' Boston said. 'We're right here in our neighborhoods and our backyards.'
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Boston was pleased by the event's inclusivity of people from all walks of life, including those with dance backgrounds and those without.
'It was awesome. There's people being centered in Black culture today, using music and dance and arts to bring people together,' she said. 'I'm not a dancer, but they had me moving.'
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