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Alex Black appears in Movin' Out at the Fox Theatre March 27-29. Photo: Courtesy Olympia Entertainment
A Few Minutes With: Alex Black of Movin' Out at the Fox Theatre
By Donald V. Calamia
When Billy Joel's Movin' Out returns to Detroit March 27-29, among the cast members will be Detroit native and Wayne State University graduate Alex Black. The young dancer/choreographer has studied his craft all across the country, and has won numerous scholarships and awards for his work. Black took a few minutes out of his schedule to talk with EncoreMichigan.com about the show and his upcoming visit home.
And as a native Detroiter, how cool is it to come back home in the Third National Tour of Movin' Out? How long have you been with the show?
It is a very exciting thing to be a part of. A dream come true. I have only been a part of the show just this year, and it is one of the coolest Broadway shows out there.
You're a member of the ensemble and the understudy for the role of Tony. Just between us: Do you secretly wish the actor playing Tony catches a cold so that YOU can go on as Tony while you're here?
Ha-ha-ha. No not at all. It's an honor just to be in the cast of Movin' Out. There will be a couple of times that I'll be able to go on for Tony, but my ensemble track is very dance demanding. It's in most of the show and featured a lot. There's a chance that I might go on in Detroit as Tony. We'll see.
Were you a Billy Joel fan prior to Movin' Out? What's your favorite number in the show - and why?
I was a fan. You can't go wrong with the classics.
My favorite number in the show is Scenes of an Italian Restaurant. Why? Well, this number paints the whole beginning of the show. It's also exciting, grabs the audience's attention, and shows off the piano work of our "piano man." And it's just simply a great song.
You've continued to study dance from coast to coast since leaving WSU, and you're also a choreographer and dance instructor. What advice do you give starry-eyed young dancers who want to become professional dancers?
Some advice I would give to aspiring dancers would be TAKE CLASSES. Ballet is your base for all dance; don't ever give up on it! If you want to get better as a dancer with your technique, take ballet class.
Also, keep up your cross training such as, weight lifting, running and yoga. These are all things that will keep you in shape and keep your stamina up for class.
Although Movin' Out will be here for only a few days, will you have a chance to revisit any of your old stomping grounds? Is there any place or any thing in particular you want to see?
I'll have a little time to visit a few friends in the area. My family, and friends and old classmates are coming to see the show.
I'm very excited to perform in the historical Fox Theatre. I remember back when I was little - going there to see the Nutcracker and thinking how cool it would be to be a professional dancer on stage and doing it for a living. Look where I am now. All it takes is hard work, dedication and will power and you can do it. I'm thankful to be where I am, and couldn't ask for anything more.
ABOUT ALEX BLACK:
Alex Black was born in Detroit and raised in Midland. He attended Midland High School, Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy and Wayne State University as a B.F.A. dance major, talent scholar and Allesee Award recipient. He was a member of the WSU Dance Company ONE and toured the state of Michigan and Canada.
Black began dancing at the age of three, at his mother's dance studio, Dean/Black School of Performing Arts. He also danced and participated in competitions with Detroit-based Dancers Workshop. He performed with the Midland Center for the Arts.
SHOW DETAILS:
At the Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. March 27 - 29. Tickets: $30-$75. For information: 313-471-6611 or www.olympiaentertainment.com. CLICK HERE for more show details
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