Today’s episode is with choreographer and dancer Bill T. Jones. Jones is an award winning artist and legendary dancer. His work uses storytelling, movement, and multimedia elements such as spoken narrative and videotape to examine identity, social issues and autobiographical elements of his life. His 43-year long career reminds us on the importance of gratitude and remaining present in your life and artistry. 

In today’s conversation we’re reminded of the power in investigation. We also explore what it means to create amidst a state of grief. And the importance of spending a life in service to others. 

Things mentioned

2010 Kennedy Center Honors - Bill T. Jones

FELA!

Arnie Zane: An Introduction

Bill T. Jones: Still / Here with Bill Moyers

What to read

Story/Time: The Life of an Idea by Bill T. Jones

The Emigrants by W.G. Sebald

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison 

The Spirit in Man, Art and Literature by Carl Gustav Jung

Body Against Body: The Dance and Other Collaborations of Bill T. Jones & Arnie Zane by Bill T. Jones, Artie Zane, Elizabeth Zimmer 

Democracy Moving: Bill T. Jones, Contemporary American Performance, and the Racial Past By Ariel Nereson 

What to listen to

Fela! (Original Broadway Cast Recording) - Album by Fela Kuti

I Will Move On Up a Little Higher - by Mahalia Jackson

September by Earth, Wind & Fire

Who to follow

Follow Bill T. Jones on IG @billtjonesarniezaneco

You can also find his company here.

This conversation was recorded on July 9th, 2022.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer: Coniqua Johnson 

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Director of Digital Content: @vickygcreative

Bookings: @itsms.kt

Audio Engineer + Composer: Adam Radice

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com