George Faison

Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Theatre Producer

Laura Jinparn
 Early Life

Born on December 21st, 1945 in Washington D.C.

As a young student, he first performed in Showboat
with the American Light Opera Company
Studied with the Jones-Haywood Capitol Ballet and
with Carolyn Tate of Howard University, where he
eventually enrolled
Worked with director Owen Dodson
Decided to move to New York City to become a
dancer after seeing a production of the Alvin Ailey
Company
 Career

Danced with the Alvin Ailey Company from 1967-1969

Danced in the original Broadway production of Purlie in 1970
Founded the George Faison Universal Dance Experience in 1971
Suite Otis (Music of Otis Redding) combined elements of ballet
and contemporary styles
Broadway debut as choreographer Dont Bother Me, I Cant Cope
The Wiz Tony Award for Best Choreography
Worked as a choreographer for entertainers in later career
Founded the American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC) in
1997
 Shows

Dont Bother Me, I Cant Cope

Via Galactica
Tilt
The Wiz*
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Porgy and Bess
Sing, Mahalia, Sing
The Apollo Just Like Magic
Revelation in the Courthouse Park
King
 Style

Incorporates different styles of dance

Combines classic technique with modern
jazz/rock n roll street dance/swing
Strong ballet technique base
Focuses on the emotion of the text
Goal of integration