Dancer Dudley Williams Dies at Age 76

I am a huge fan of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.  I am late with this news, but apparently four days ago, an elite dancer from the troupe, Mr. Dudley Williams passed away at his home in Manhattan at the age of 76.  Although no cause of death has been given, it has been said that there is nothing suspicious about it. 

Dudley was born and raised in New York City and became interested in dancing while very young.  He was waiting on his uncle who was taking voice lessons at a local art school and there Dudley witnessed one of the school's dance classes.  He immediately fell in love with the art of movement.  At the age of 12 he began training with Sheldon Hoskins school in Harlem and from there he would go on to train at New York's High School for the Performing Arts.  After graduation in 1958 he received a scholarship to Julliard.

Dudley performed with many illustrious dance companies including those of May McDonnell, Donald McKayle, Talley Beatty, and Marthat Graham.  Then in 1964 he joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater where he would showcase his talent with spectacular solo dances and dynamic performances with the troupe.

To see the wonderful tribute the New York Times did for this dancer, please go here.

And to see one of his terrrific performance, please see the video below.  Rest in peace and rest in power Dudley Williams.  The world will miss your talent.