Hope Boykin may have retired from dancing around the world for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2020 but her love for the iconic company is still ever-present. The acclaimed writer and choreographer, who is currently the Artistic Advisor for Dance Education at DC's Kennedy Center, was asked to come back and create a new work. Two years later, "Finding Free" is finally making its debut as part of the company's 2025 National U.S. Tour.
"Finding Free came about where it's literally a search for endurance and strength to carry the weight ... not to remove it," says Boykin. The dance piece is also a continuation of her last work for the Ailey Company, "r-Evolution Dream."
The performance features a "community" of dancers who move about to the dramatic yet inspirational sounds of rising jazz pianist—-Matthew Whitaker. He was referred to Hope by a close friend who thought the 23-year-old's music would be perfect for an Ailey performance.
"This kind and gentle spirit of a young man knows exactly what he wants and can feel the world around him moving," says Hope about Matthew, who has been blind since birth. "He may be limited or restricted in his sight but he can see more than a lot of people."
In addition to discussing the choreography for "Finding Free," Hope explains the show's intricate costume designs and what she wants audiences to take away from the performance. Hope also remembers her mentor and friend, Judith Jamison. The former Artistic Director for Alvin Ailey and Broadway legend, passed away on November 9, 2024.
Catch Hope Boykin's "Finding Free" and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2025 National U.S. Tour beginning February 12 at Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre.