I wanted to be an Ailey dancer. I would watch Alvin Ailey videos over and over, and I'd picture myself doing that. I was obsessed with it. Robert Battle More Quotes by Robert Battle More Quotes From Robert Battle I believe dance is a manifestation and celebration of the tenacity of the human spirit. Robert Battle celebration spirit believe There are some things that cannot be expressed through words. And that is why we dance. Robert Battle I studied martial arts before I studied dance. Robert Battle before arts martial-arts dance I come from strong people who believe in the freedom of expression and, of course, a culture that believes in that. So the idea of overcoming adversity is something that is not unfamiliar. Robert Battle adversity freedom culture people I studied dance at a high school arts magnet program before moving on to Miami's New World School of the Arts, and from there, I went on to study at The Juilliard School. Robert Battle moving-on dance world school Reflection is not something you have a lot of time for. Robert Battle something you reflection time Eating is a necessity but a pleasure as well. Robert Battle necessity well pleasure eating I remember the Food Network when it was first starting out: Emeril Lagasse and all those people who helped make it when it was on a shoestring budget. It actually encouraged me to start cooking. Robert Battle me cooking food people I grew up in a household that had its roots in church and community and culture and poetry and song and in the arts. Those aspects certainly shaped what I do. Robert Battle community poetry song culture My first professional relationship, I danced with the Parsons Dance Company, and David Parsons, my former boss, allowed me to choreograph on the company. Robert Battle me boss dance relationship Performing abroad is ambassadorial. Robert Battle abroad performing There's a part of me that never felt my mother abandoned me. I always felt that she did the right thing. Robert Battle never me always mother I never expected to go to Juilliard. When they came recruiting in Miami, I auditioned. I got a scholarship. Robert Battle never go scholarship miami I grew up in a very spiritual home in a Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, FL. I was raised in the church, and my mother was a very inspirational person in my life. Robert Battle mother home inspirational life Seeing 'Revelations' made me want to be a professional dancer. Robert Battle professional me seeing want 'Revelations' is one of the most important pieces to the African American arts. It assesses the hope and despair of a people and overcoming the struggle with our faith. Robert Battle struggle hope faith people
