Masazumi Chaya | |
---|---|
Born | |
Occupation(s) | Choreographer, dancer |
Years active | 1972–present |
Masazumi Chaya is a Japanese American dancer and choreographer. He was the associate artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) from 1991 to 2020. [1]
Chaya was born to a doctor and nurse [2] in Fukuoka, Japan, and trained in classical ballet. [3] He found his way into theater as a dresser in his teenage years, and later as a musical theater dancer on stage and on television in Tokyo.
He moved to New York City in December 1970, [4] after questioning whether he was getting work in Japan for being a male, instead of for his ability. [5]
Chaya performed with AAADT for fifteen years beginning in 1972, becoming rehearsal director after retiring from dancing in 1987 [6] [7] and also serving as choreographic assistant to Alvin Ailey before Ailey's death in 1989. [8] Chaya was named AAADT's associate artistic director in 1991 by Judith Jamison. [3] From 1991 to 2020, Chaya served as Associate Artistic Director of the Company. [9]
Chaya has staged and re-staged various Ailey works, rehearsed dancers, and taught company class for AAADT. [2] He primarily teaches Ailey dances that he has performed. [6]
Chaya has focused on maintaining the spirit of Ailey's dances with today's performers, who have generally not experienced the same life challenges as Ailey's dancers of the past. [2] He's credited with providing continuity to AAADT over the years. [10] [6] [11]
Former director Judith Jamison referred to him as the "miracle of this company," who "can remember details and dances like no other." [5]