Andrew and Michael continue their conversation. Discussing Michael's journey through dance and being one of the only black dancer in the company and then being able to perform "Black" stories. They discuss Michael's Ted Talk in which he and other dancers address the idea of being, "too old to dance". Andrew even asks Michael what he thinks of Ted Talk Dancers.

Also Andrew reads a listener response in a new segment, The Backstage Lounge Patron.

Further Reading

Michael Blake being on of the only people of color during a rehearsal of My Fair Lady in '83.

Living for the City

By Stevie Wonder

Vinnette Carroll

Vinnette Justine Carroll was an American playwright, actress, and theatre director. She was the first African-American woman to direct on Broadway, with her 1972 production of the musical Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.

Talley Beatty

Talley Beatty was born in Cedar Grove, Louisiana, a section of Shreveport, but grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He is considered one of the greatest of African American choreographers, and also bears the titles dancer, doctor, and dance company director.

Brenda Braxtron

Brenda Braxton-author, singer, dancer, actress-has had a theater career that has taken her from chorus girl to leading lady. She is a native New Yorker and graduate of the High School for the Performing Arts. In 1976 she auditioned for and joined her first Broadway show, Guys and Dolls.

The Nicholas Brothers

The Nicholas Brothers were a team of dancing brothers, Fayard and Harold, who excelled in a variety of techniques, including a highly acrobatic technique known as "flash dancing".

Jumpin Jive

by Cab Calloway feat. The Nicholas Brothers

Ted Talk

LIFE IS DANCE

“When we dance at this age, the world is beautiful. It is filled with solitude and empowerment. Our kinetic and sensory systems charge to the point of bliss and indescribable strength. We don’t take this gift for granted. What we do is a femoral joy. We live and we dance in the moment."

Fellow Dancers

Sarita Allen

Sarita Allen, a world-renowned dancer, performing artist and teacher; whose career spans three decades, began her training at the acclaimed Cornish School of the Arts in Seattle Washington, and later received a scholarships to the Dance Theater of Harlem and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City.

Hope Clarke

Hope Clarke is an American actress, dancer, vocalist, choreographer, and director. Clarke performed as principal dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, 1960s; actress on stage, film, and television, 1970s–1980s; choreographer and director, 1980s--.

Alberto Del Saz

Del Saz, a member of Murray Louis and Nikolais Dance Company for more than 20 years, has staged the Nikolais/Louis repertory for university and professional dance companies around the world. A former Spanish National Champion in figure skating, del Saz received his early dance training at the Nikolais-Louis Dance Lab in New York, working directly with both Nikolais and Murray Louis.

David Thomson

David Thomson is known primarily as a dancer, but he has also worked as a choreographer and in performance and music. Thomson has danced with the companies of Mel Wong, Jane Comfort, Trisha Brown, USA Prudential Fellow Ralph Lemon, USA Ford Fellow Bebe Miller, and Meg Stuart, among others.

Life is a dance

by Chaka Khan

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