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.
RENALDO MAURICE
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Dancer
@mauricerenaldo
Essential item in your dance bag?
Alpha Ball.
Movie you can re-watch till the end of time?
Love & Basketball.
Dancer who’’s inspired you?
Matthew Rushing.
Song/artist/playlist you’ve been playing on repeat?
Tems – “Love Me JeJe”
Least favorite dance step?
Frappé.
How do you like to spend your time outside of dance?
– Taking care of my mother & Spending time with my family
– Creative Directing, Choreographing, & Mentoring
– Judging/Attending Ballroom Community events & supporting my house “The Haus of Alpha Omega”
Best place to hang out in your company’s home city?
My home.
Dream role?
“A Song For You” [from Ailey’s Love Songs].
Go-to coffee shop order?
Ginger tea with honey and brown sugar.
Essential post-show ritual?
A nice meal, with a good bath with epsom salt & oils, and recap phone conversation with my Mom.
ABOUT RENALDO
Renaldo Maurice (Gary, IN) began his training with Tony Washington and graduated from Talent Unlimited High School. He attended Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts, studying with Larry Brewer. Maurice was a scholarship student at The Ailey School, Ballet Chicago, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. He received second place in modern dance from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and received the Dizzy Feet Foundation Scholarship. In 2012, he was honored with the key to the city of his hometown. Maurice has choreographed and performed with Grammy-nominated artists Jazzmeia Horn, KEM, and Grammy Award winner Madonna. He has also incorporated his passion for the arts with social responsibility by becoming the co-artistic director of Indiana’s South Shore Dance Alliance. He was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2011. Find him on Facebook: @Maurice Gardner.
Featured image by Steven Vandervelden
Image 1 by Andrew Eccles
Image 3 by Yusaki Komori
Image 6 by Dario Calmese
