"Dance training can't be separate from life training. Everything that comes into our lives is training. The qualities we admire in great dancing are the same qualities we admire in human beings: honesty, courage, fearlessness, generosity, wisdom, depth, compassion,and humanity."
About Alonzo King
Alonzo King — Life and Legacy
Alonzo King is a prominent choreographer celebrated for his unique approach to dance that blends classical ballet with contemporary styles. His work often explores the intersection of movement and cultural identity, challenging traditional boundaries in the dance world. King's choreography is marked by a deep understanding of the human experience, as seen in his quote, 'Dance is the hidden language of the soul.' This perspective highlights his belief that dance can convey emotions and narratives that words often fail to express. King's philosophy revolves around the idea that dance is a powerful medium for storytelling, allowing performers to connect with audiences on a visceral level. He emphasizes improvisation as a vital component, encouraging dancers to express their authentic selves and engage with the audience in real time. This approach not only enriches the performance but also fosters a deeper connection between the dancer and the viewer. His work with Lines Ballet exemplifies his innovative vision, where he integrates diverse cultural influences and contemporary themes into his choreography. By doing so, King not only redefines the boundaries of ballet but also elevates the art form to address social issues and personal narratives. His quotes and ideas continue to resonate, inspiring dancers and audiences alike to see movement as a profound expression of life and identity.
Quote collection
Alonzo King quotes
14 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Everything in the phenomenal universe is straight line and circle. The horizon, our heads, arms, electrons, the oceans, planets and stars. Their principle function is to radiate. The task of the human being is also to radiate."
"The purpose of art is higher than art. What we are really interested in are masterpieces of humanity."
"The artistic path is a fearless occupation."
"The world loves a clone and a good knock-off. It cheats the artist... In the obsession for technical wizardry, people disappear; and if your voice isn't present in a relationship, you don't matter."
"What’s interesting about you is you."
"Fear, safety, and conformity make you mediocre and average"
"Art is a form of intelligence, it can be developed, it's linked to intuition and it's something that all humans have"
"So many dancers feel that what they look like is more important than who they are. This is a real danger for dancers who focus for years on appearances and think of themselves as merely a body. The choreographer can't work with them in the realm of ideas. It's a huge problem if they haven't been connecting internally. If they've decided that what's inside is of little value, they can only try to approximate some kind of look."
"To change the world, you must first change yourself. And baby, that's hard enough."
"Be IN it. Get drunk in the moment."
"Art is the inheritance of every individual, it activates evolutionary growth, it is an intellectual virtue, and the fostering principle for all that is made, done, or known."
"My intention was to grapple with the metaphysical meaning behind Scheherazade and present that meaning in its essence. Scheherazade is the symbol of the savior. She weaves tales not to save her own life, but to save humanity from its unending retributive response to injury."
"The deep art... That's the part that has to be guarded like a miser would his money... Like a dope addict would his dope... Like a lover with their love."