Before production began on the blockbuster film Avatar, director James Cameron called a meeting at Los Angeles office with a select group of choreographers and heads of local dance companies. Once in attendance, he described an elaborate vision.
Cameron wanted to create a nation of eight-foot tall, blue aliens with tails who lived on a distant planet. The creatures would have their own culture, rituals, greetings, ways of displaying intimacy and they would have unique and fascinating ceremonial dances.
Lula Washington – who, along with her husband Erwin, founded the Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Foundation in 1980 – was among the choreographers Cameron invited. Cameron was familiar with the ensemble, known for its powerful, high-energy dancing, unique choreography and musical productions that explore African-American history and culture as humanitarian issues.
Washington wasn’t too sure about the tails the director envisioned for his creatures, but the rituals and dance ceremonies captured her imagination. She had worked with visionary artists before. Washington’s vast portfolio of Hollywood work includes choreographing the dance sequences for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, including the dance scene for the hit song “Under the Sea,” which won an Academy Award.
She spent much of 2007 and 2008 creating cultural, war and hunting scenes as well as expansive dance sequences for the movie. Washington, who practices yoga, suggested Cameron’s Na Vi people greet each using the “third eye” (I See You) concept, with one hand touching the center of the forehead and extending away. The idea became a central focus of the film.
St. Louis audiences will understand why Cameron chose Washington as his creative muse for the film when the nationally acclaimed Los Angeles-based company performs here at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at the Edison Theatre on the campus of Washington University.
The performances and dance classes featuring the Lula Washington Dance Theatre are part of the annual national dance festival, “BLACK DANCE – USA,” hosted by Better Family Life. The colorful, energetic and high spirited celebration, now in its 27th year, will feature concerts and three days of dance and percussion workshops for youth and adults.
African and Afro-Haitian influence, infused with gospel, classical ballet, modern, street, theatrical and hip-hop dance compositions are all part of the Lula Washington’s avant-garde brand. Washington and her company have performed abroad in Germany, Spain, Kosovo, Mexico, Canada, China, Russia and in more than 150 cities in the United States.
There may not be a Lula Washington Dance Theater if the founder had paid attention to college administrators who rejected her application to UCLA’s renowned dance program. The 22-year-old mother was told she was “too old” to pursue a career in dance. Undeterred, Washington sent an impassioned letter to the dean who’s last act before retiring was to personally grant Washington admittance.
Lula and Erwin Washington established their dance school with a mandate to provide low-cost or free dance classes to neighborhood children. To date, the school has taught dance to over 45,000 inner-city students. Last year, Washington was awarded the “Heritage Award”-the highest recognition given by the National Dance Association which represents dance educators nationwide.
The dance company is a family affair with Lula in charge of the creative side, Erwin, an accomplished journalist and screenwriter, mostly handling the business side – with their only daughter, Tamica Washington-Miller, wearing multiple hats as choreographer, performer and instructor.
Better Family Life, Inc. is an organization founded with a mission to provide social, economic and cultural solutions to the crises impacting African-American families in our region. DeBorah Ahmed, senior Vice President of Cultural Programs at BFL and founder of BLACK DANCE – USA, is ecstatic about bringing the Lula Washington Contemporary Dance Theatre to St. Louis.
“We treasure our ability to support dedicated choreographers and dancers and bring authentic African dance and culture to St. Louis year after year through concerts and classes,” Ahmed said.
“Lula is admired all over the world as a teacher, leader, dancer, and choreographer with a unique and bold style and approach to modern dance. St. Louis is definitely in for a rare treat and an explosive, unforgettable night of some of the best dance seen on the concert stage.”
BLACK DANCE – USA: A Celebration in Movement runs May 24- 26. Visit blackdanceusa.com or betterfamilylife.org for more information.
