To me, Ailey became synonymous with dance
Odd, as I remain anonymous by chance to the man that was Ailey
Sometimes I wonder if he’d foreseen how many people he’d affect
Or even the effects his legacy impresses upon me daily
It was odd seeing myself move for the first time in a mirror
Or rather I’d seen it before, but now I could reflect upon it clearer
Because the more I focused on stretching my limbs, the nearer I got to my ultimate goal
Until I felt my horizons broaden, stretching to eventually break the mold
I’m told that He was both benevolent and a visionary
Perhaps that’s how his programs could’ve propagated subsidiaries
Until one day I found myself witnessing the revolutionary
As Revelations left me stationary- Speechless for days
Amazed, I realize that I know little of Alvin Ailey beyond his work
But what Ailey Camp gave me was enough to immerse
Me in the world I’d once cursed
I learned to grow, speak, laugh, appreciate, and love myself even when it hurts
I realized art comes from life, but maybe it also works in reverse
Finally I understand that art is from whence my life emerged
Versed in the ways of speaking- still I find actions speak louder than words
How arms can utter: “What happens to a dream deferred?”
Dance- the priceless medium that allows the soul to be heard
Dancers the timeless echoes reverbed through space
Motion the sound that resonates tenuous grace
Although his work has brought many a smile to my face
I never met Alvin Ailey at any time or any place
To me, Ailey became synonymous with dance
Odd, as I remain anonymous by chance to the man that was Ailey
Dance crafts my voice, words reflect my stance symbiotically
And so I’m obliged to pursue greater and grander goals daily
But I have to thank him, for conceiving Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
The campers, teachers, mentors, dancers, have all become family to me
Love being the foundation for the creation of new destiny
Mr. Ailey, I want to thank you for allowing your legacy
To reach me,
In Kansas City
Sincerely,
Zendrix Berndt
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