Alvin Ailey: Awassa Astrige / Ostrich by Asadata Dafora

With arms flapping like wings, torso rippling and head held high, a warrior is transformed into the proud, powerful ostrich ­- the king of birds. Sierra Leone-born choreographer Dafora blended his vision of a traditional African dance with Western staging in this groundbreaking 1932 solo set to Carl Riley’s score of African drumming and flute. Learn more: alvinailey.org/awassa-astrigeostrich

[@Nan-ew6hu]

I remember seeing our family friend Charles Moore perform this piece when I was a little girl. It left an indelible impression on me and fond memories.

[@melissaquilter]

I saw Antonio Douthit-Boyd become the Ostrich at Zellerbach Hall this afternoon...and not only was his performance absolutely spellbinding, but I LOVED that in his reverence, at the end of the performance (and a wildly enthusiastic audience brought him back again and again with applause) he did not break character for one moment -- not at all -- in acknowledging our gratitude.

[@inesdeerausquin5658]

Sheer brilliance. So so proud to be working with this fabulous dancer and teacher at COCA!

[@Auntkekebaby]

Giving me Yanvalou

[@narviawilliams2340]

💐💐💐I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST SAW THIS DANCE AT THE BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC THEATER 💐💐💐

[@shethingsd]

Gorgeous

[@chichionwuzuruike]

Beautiful and just lovely I loved the way his body flowed with the beat of the drums just an outstanding performance

[@istinapravda7956]

it is sooo gracious but still filled with beautiful masculinity

[@silvinapini4186]

beautiful, hypnotizing

[@tigereyes5]

Beautiful 😻

[@TootieTootToot]

after i saw this years ago i noticed the moves in yonce video years ago...i was like....THATS THE OSTRICH DANCE

[@joycedcomegys5927]

Bravo!!!

[@Isadomin1]

Lo más hermoso!!

[@theodorecruz5173]

⚫ beautiful performance ☺💜 ♠

[@candybennett1312]

Spectacular!!!

[@funkytoonies2700]

Wow !! Look at that peacock !!.🍄

[@captainkneemo334]

I saw a movie clip long ago of an older black man doing the Ostrich dance ... foes anyone know where I can find it? Only one I can find is this newer version.

[@MORGANAFATALE5]

ua-cam.com/video/J73bGtabrIE/v-deo.html&feature=share8

[@NormanWLawrence1019]

just seeing comment in 2023...if you haven't found it you're probably referring to Charles Moore Ostrich.... just put that in the search

[@shirinstave-matias4251]

Must have been Charles Moore ❤

[@susanhughes8761]

I'm upset. The lightning is so dark, I miss the benefit of seeing most of the dance...just the color of the light feathers moving. So frustrating!

[@suzyharemqueendancers3857]

Like like like

[@skellingtonmeteoryballoon]

hula hula ostrich :)
jk , its classic.

[@farahgiovanna355]

mesmerizing....