Step into the world of ballet beyond the spotlight with our exclusive feature! Each edition offers a glimpse into the off-stage lives of your favorite dancers, showcasing their unique hobbies and passions. Discover the surprising and delightful activities that make these artists’ lives as captivating as their performances.
CHRISTOPHER WILSON
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Dancer
@christopher.r.wilson
Essential item in your dance bag?
Snacks & Naboso Ball.
Movie you can rewatch till the end of time?
Drumline! One band, one sound!
Dancer who’s inspired you?
I grew up watching Clifton Brown in the Ailey company. I’ve always compared his dancing to a quiet storm, a quality I’ve always looked to embody. I now get to witness it up close, working with him as one of my rehearsal directors.
Song/artist/playlist you’ve been playing on repeat?
Rich Homie Quan (RIP).
Least favorite dance step?
Anything with fast arms! Not always fun for a long wingspan.
How do you like to spend your time outside of dance?
Fall Saturdays are dedicated to the Georgia Bulldogs and college football. While touring, I love to sightsee and experience the culture of the place that I’m in. I also love spending time on my couch, one of my favorite places in the world.
Best place to hang out in your company’s home city?
Harlem!!
Dream role?
Love Songs by Alvin Ailey.
Go-to coffee shop order?
Cold brew with agave + oat milk and a vegan pastry.
Essential post show ritual?
Protein-heavy dinner, bath with a college football podcast, an episode of whatever TV series I’m watching at the time.
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER
Christopher R. Wilson (Augusta, GA) is a graduate of John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and graduated cum laude from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program in Dance. He trained at Colton Ballet School, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and The School at Jacob’s Pillow before beginning his professional career with BHdos, the second company of Ballet Hispánico. He has performed for Queen SofÃa of Spain and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands and has had the privilege of performing on the main stage of the 2017 Essence Festival in New Orleans. Wilson has performed works by choreographers Judith Jamison, Alonzo King, Wayne McGregor, Camille A. Brown, Kyle Abraham, and Hans van Manen, among others. He has been a guest artist for the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and with The Black Iris Project, starring in the Emmy-nominated film A Mother’s Rite. Wilson was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2018.
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Featured image by Dario Calmese
Image 1 by Dario Calmese
Image 2 by Xavier Mack
Image 3 by Michael Jackson Jr.
Image 5 by Paul Kolnik
