In The Studio: Jamar Roberts

A highlight of our upcoming Joyce season will be the world premiere of a work by Jamar Roberts, former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer and Resident Choreographer, and now one of the hottest choreographers around.  Roberts’ work is set to Spanish Key, the piece created by jazz legend Miles Davis, that appeared on his 1970 seminal album, Bitches Brew.  “I’ve always been attracted to jazz for its effect on me as an artist, for how it encourages me to find my choreographic voice,” says Roberts.   And about his collaboration with the Parsons dancers, he declares, “When I watched them rehearse this piece, I wanted to dance with them.  They showed me that they had the tools I needed.  They were inspired by the music, and they know how movement works.” 

Check out the video for some early rehearsal footage of the new Roberts piece. Tickets for our Joyce season go on sale to the general public on January 4.

Video by Suspension Productions