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George Faison

The 1975 Tony Award

Broadway history changed forever when George Faison claimed the 1975 Tony Award for his masterful choreography in “The Wiz.” His victory marked the first time an African American choreographer earned this prestigious honor, opening new possibilities for Black artists on Broadway’s grand stage.

Faison’s artistic brilliance reaches well beyond this groundbreaking moment. His journey spans remarkable chapters – from gracing the stage as a featured dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to launching the George Faison Universal Dance Experience on a modest $600 budget in 1971. His creative vision later earned him an Emmy Award for “The Josephine Baker Story” in 1991. Musical legends like Earth, Wind and Fire and Patti LaBelle sought his distinctive choreographic touch for their productions.

Meet the visionary whose bold artistry reshaped Broadway’s landscape. His enduring influence on American performing arts celebrates both excellence and cultural heritage, inspiring generations of artists to follow their dreams.

From Dental Student to Dance Pioneer

Washington, D.C. welcomed George Faison’s first artistic steps at Dunbar High School, where the Jones-Haywood Capitol Ballet nurtured his early talent. His path seemed clear when he enrolled at Howard University in 1964 with dreams of dentistry.

Howard University’s vibrant cultural scene shaped Faison’s artistic soul. He shared classrooms with future stars – opera sensation Jessye Norman and gospel virtuoso Richard Smallwood. Master teachers Ethel Butler and Louis Johnson guided his dance education. His talent sparkled on stage with the American Light Opera Company, bringing life to classics like “Show Boat” and “Kiss Me Kate”.

Life changed forever when Faison attended an Alvin Ailey Dance Theater performance at Howard University in 1966. The powerful performance awakened his true calling, compelling him to trade dental tools for dance shoes. New York City beckoned, and at the School of American Ballet, he learned from dance masters Arthur Mitchell, June Taylor, and Charles Moore.

His exceptional talent blazed bright. The prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater welcomed 20-year-old Faison in 1967, where he shone as principal dancer for three remarkable years. Despite his success with Ailey, Faison’s creative spirit yearned for more. April 1, 1970, marked his bold step into independence with his own company. This brave move opened doors to his unique artistic expression, setting the stage for his remarkable choreographic journey.

The Revolutionary Path to The Wiz

Dreams took flight when Faison launched the George Faison Universal Dance Experience in 1971 with a modest budget of $600. Star dancers Debbie Allen, Renee Rose, and Gary DeLoatch joined his creative vision, while Faison masterfully balanced roles as artistic director and choreographer.

Broadway welcomed his fresh perspective in 1972 with “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” – his choreographic debut. Mentor Talley Beatty’s shoes needed filling, and Hope Clarke knew Faison would shine. Success followed naturally, opening doors to “Via Galactica” and “Tilt”.

Magic struck in 1974 when “The Wiz” emerged as Faison’s masterpiece. Director Geoffrey Holder shared his vision to reimagine Oz through bold, dynamic movement. Their collaboration, alongside groundbreaking shows like “Purlie” and “Raisin,” ushered in a golden age of all-Black cast Broadway productions.

Musical boundaries melted away under Faison’s artistic touch. After the Universal Dance Experience closed its curtains, his choreography enhanced performances by Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight. His creative spirit touched over 30 theatrical productions, including Radio City Music Hall’s spectacular “Porgy and Bess” in 1983.

“The Wiz” celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2015 with Faison’s special presentation at New York City’s Summerstage. Original cast members returned to bring those treasured songs and iconic dance moves back to life.

Beyond Broadway Success

Broadway success opened new creative doors for George Faison across television and film. His artistic brilliance earned him an Emmy Award for choreographing “The Josephine Baker Story” in 1991. His passion for celebrating dance heritage shone through the television special “Cosby Salutes Ailey” in 1989, honoring the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 30th anniversary.

Musical royalty sought his creative touch. Soul queen Aretha Franklin, musical genius Stevie Wonder, powerhouse Earth, Wind and Fire, and the legendary Gladys Knight all sparkled under his choreographic direction. Presidential recognition followed when his musical “King” graced President Bill Clinton’s 1997 inauguration celebration.

Harlem’s artistic landscape bloomed anew when Faison breathed life into an abandoned firehouse in 1999. The Faison Firehouse Theater emerged as a cultural jewel, boasting a 350-seat auditorium, dance studios, and recording spaces. Poetry met movement at the theater’s 2007 grand opening, where Maya Angelou’s words danced alongside stunning performances.

Today’s artists find their voice at the Faison Firehouse Theater through the American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC), Faison’s 1997 vision come alive. Young talents grow through the RESPECT project, mastering both performance and business skills. Cultural harmony fills these historic walls as diverse groups – from Harlem Opera Theater to Lotus Music & Dance – share their artistic gifts with the community.

Conclusion

George Faison’s artistic odyssey sparkles with determination and pioneering spirit. His Tony Award victory blazed new trails for African American choreographers on Broadway, while his journey from dental student to dance visionary reminds us that passion lights the path to greatness.

“The Wiz” stands tall among his achievements, yet Faison’s artistic footprint stretches across America’s cultural landscape. Five decades of magic unfold through his collaborations with legendary performers, Emmy-winning productions, and soul-stirring theatrical works.

His creative flame burns bright at the Faison Firehouse Theater and APAC, where young artists discover their own artistic voices. More than a mentor or innovator, George Faison embodies the power of artistic dreams – showing how pure vision, backed by unwavering dedication, creates lasting cultural change.

References

[1] – https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/george-w-faison-41

[2] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Faison

[3] – https://walkercommunicationsgroup.com/2019/03/17/an-interview-with-george-faison-collaboration-is-the-key-to-the-future/

[4] – https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/faison-george-1946

[5] – https://ailey.org/people/george-faison

[6] – https://www.thirteen.org/freetodance/biographies/faison.html

[7] – https://www.americantheatre.org/2022/11/10/how-george-faison-ordered-his-steps/

[8] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wiz

[9] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faison_Firehouse_Theater

[10] – https://www.nyc-arts.org/organizations/harlem-faison-firehouse-theater/

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