"From Trials to Triumph" with a performance of "IMPRINT/MAYA" | Desmond Richardson | TEDxPaloAlto

View a breathtaking performance by Desmond Richardson followed by a story about his biggest inspiration and finding joy through movement.
Desmond Richardson was the first African-American principal dancer of American Ballet Theater. A former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, he is now the co-founder/co-artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet.
With his technical virtuosity and statuesque expressive demeanor, Richardson has been hailed by the NY Times as among the great dancers of his time. Lara Hartley poetically described him on the Ballet Magazine website as "Moving Sculpture, a body that is art, passing through time and space with power and grace-all parts connected, never stopping but heart stopping in beauty.”
For a full bio, please see here: www.tedxpaloalt....
IMPRINT/MAYA:
Choreography: Dwight Rhoden
Original Composition: David Rosenblatt
Vocal: Melanie Nyema
Prose: Dr. Maya Angelou
Lighting Design: Michael Korsch
Costume Design: Christine Darch
This performance was part of TEDxPaloAlto Identity, held on April 2, 2017. For more information about TEDxPaloAlto please visit www.tedxpaloalt....
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@envogue1]

Thank you so much for posting this. True inspiration and sheer brilliance. Gifted beyond measure.

[@DavidRozenblatt]

So honored. You are inspiring.

[@blackbird3149]

Absolutely gorgeous...God blessed this man with incredible talent...stunning performance. Can't imagine how incredibly how hard Desmond has worked to be this level of a technician...wished I could have experienced it live!

[@jonnarobinson7541]

Many of my friends and I have been inspired by PBS. Thank you public television! I consider Desmond Richardson to be the most complete male dancer in the world. Ivan Vasilev holds my top ballet title, but nobody can contract like Desmond. He is absolutely gorgeous. Really, he is such an artist.

[@msunny1ks]

One of the greatest to ever do it..

[@darinjohnsanone4197]

the best male dancer i have ever seen. seeing desmond dance mr. bojangles with sergio trujillo in Fosse at the Ahmanson was life changing for me! desmond you are the best male dancer of our era! your company is phenomenal! never stop! you make this world a better place!

[@desmondrichardson3762]

Thank you so much

[@deca2k]

I loved you then Desmond, and I still do! We met in Boston I was 17 years old. Right around the time you and Dwight were starting Complexions. You assisted him at the master classes at jeannette Neil. You were amazing at that young age and this is breathtaking. You have inspired me all along! Thank you.

[@desmondrichardson3762]

Thanks so much Andre We had fun in those Days at Jeanette's:-)

[@adamqu1895]

sick bro