Artist Profile: Ja’ Malik
Madison Ballet Artistic Director Ja’ Malik is an award winning, evolving choreographer from Harlem, NY who creates works based on real-life experiences. His work reflects minding the gap between the elite perception of ballet and what he views as the reality of the art form by staying rooted in respect for the classical training—while pushing the physically emotional aspect of dancer-audience connection through the language of contemporary movement.
Having created works on Charlotte Ballet, Festival Ballet Providence, Carolina Ballet and American Repertory Ballet among others, Ja’ Malik is also the founder of Ballet Boy Productions, a dance organization that provides mentoring, education and performance opportunities for young men of color interested in pursuing careers in contemporary and classical ballet companies.
1) How do you continue to grow as an artist? Is it more of an organic or intentional process...or both?
My growth as an artist is fully organic and directly linked to me remaining present, honest and observant of the world around me. My work is rooted in my own personal experiences and the experiences of the world around me, so to stay attuned to life helps me continue to push myself artistically with the art I am creating and presenting.
2) What word(s) accurately reflect past (or present) themes explored in your choreography?
Resilience is my word of choice that best describes a major theme explored in my choreographic work. Perfection is a wonderful idea; it is something that keeps one striving for better. But to me, what is greater than perfection is effort. What does it take to really achieve anything? A huge amount of effort with the idea of being resilient to every obstacle that will come your way.
3) What are you most excited about in regard to your role as Artistic Director at Madison Ballet and its upcoming season?
I am most excited to help guide this organization, school and company towards greatness. This is a wonderful company of artists who are deserving of greater recognition in the dance world. I am excited to build a stronger and deeper connection with our Madison community. Plus give them an arts organization they can feel proud of as well as feel diversely represented by. The season ahead will fully express the Power, Passion and Precision of Madison Ballet.
4) Share 2-3 types of art or specific artists you wish people were more aware of.
I hope in my time with Madison Ballet to elevate the choreographic voices of more female choreographers such as the ones we are presenting this season Marika Brussel, Yusha-Marie Sorzano and Andrea Long. I also hope to expose our community and audiences to more legendary ballet choreographers of color such as Choo San Goh, Ulysses Dove, Dwight Rhoden and Alonzo King—among many others.