Billy Wilson and Antony Tudor

Antony Tudor was a prominent influence in Billy Wilson’s early life, when Wilson studied under him for 2 years before making his Broadway debut. Joan Myers Brown, Wilson’s lifelong friend, was taking classes with Tudor at a white school and at that point, the school would only teach one Black student. Wilson was able to gain admittance and work with Tudor for two years. Furthermore, Tudor told Wilson that if he were serious about his career as a dancer, he should go to NYC.  It was his words that inspired Wilson to audition for Broadway and jumpstart the rest of his career.

Sources:

Antony Tudor Ballet Trust, About Antony Tudor
Antony Tudor, The Sarasota Ballet 

 

More about Antony Tudor

Widely regarded as one of the most influential choreographers of all time, Antony Tudor was born in 1908 in East London to parents unfamiliar with dance.  While in school, Tudor accidentally discovered ballet and, years later, began dancing professionally.  He founded the London Ballet in 1938 and taught also at the Philadelphia Ballet Guild in the 1950s.  He was one of the few white dancers willing to teach Black students.  Tudor taught not only Billy Wilson for 2 years, but many other prominent Black dancers including Delores Brown, Judith Jamison, and Frances Jimenez.   Tudor choreographed and took leadership positions in many ballet companies including the American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Caravan and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet.  See more

Source:
About Antony Tudor, Antony Tudor Ballet Trust

 

Anna Owens