Black Oxygen: “Art should make you feel something” with Ja’Malik

Ja’Malik says, “I don’t remember dance ever not being a part of my life.” From being inspired by Michael Jackson’s Thriller to being moved by Ulysses Dove’s Urban Folk Dance performed by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Ja’Malik knew as a child that he wanted to become a dancer and choreographer. As the new Artistic Director of the Madison Ballet he is one of three Black people in the US that runs a ballet company not founded a Black person. In this episode of Black Oxygen, Ja’Malik discusses his journey to Wisconsin, honesty and truth in dance and in the US, and the role of dance in resilience and joy.

Listen to the podcast episode with Ja’ and Angela Russell here.