Masazumi chaya wiki

Masazumi Chaya is a Japanese Americandancer, choreographer and was the associate artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) from 1991 to 2020.^[1]

Early life

Chaya was born and trained in classical ballet in Fukuoka, Japan,^[2] to a doctor and nurse.^[3] He found his way into theater as a dresser in his teenage years, and later as a musical theater dancer on stage and on television in Tokyo.

He moved to New York City in December 1970,^[4] after questioning whether he was getting work in Japan for being a male, instead of for his ability.^[5]

Career

Chaya performed with AAADT for fifteen years beginning in 1972, becoming rehearsal director after retiring from dancing in 1987^[6][7] and also serving as choreographic assistant to Alvin Ailey before Ailey's death in 1989.^[8] Chaya was named AAADT's associate artistic director in 1991 by Judith Jamison.^[2]