Profile: The late, beloved Ulysses Dove was a “choreographer with a bold new voice” whose works can be seen in the repertories of major dance companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Culberg Ballet, Bayerische Statsoper and Ballet France de Nancy.
The Early Years: A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Dove began studying modern dance and ballet with Carolyn Tate, Xenia Chilstowa, Jack Moore, Judith Dunn, Bertram Ross, Helen McGehee and Mary Hinkson. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Bennington College, Dove moved to New York City, where he studied with Maggie Black and Alfredo Corvino and performed with Jose Limón, Mary Anthony, Pearl Lang and Anna Sokolow. In 1970, he received a scholarship to the Merce Cunningham School, and later joined the Merce Cunningham Dance Company.
Choreography: Shortly thereafter, he made his choreographic debut in 1979 with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. From 1980-83 Dove was the assistant director of Groupe Recherche Choreographique de l’Opera de Paris, where he taught company classes and choreographed. Ms. Jamison is committed to his works as a continuing legacy to the Ailey repertory.
