Bloomfield College Convocation
October 19, 1999
"Creative people as I have come to understand us are often times imbalanced people. Creative people often fixate on their painting, on their music, or maybe building their corporate empire. I don’t want to be that kind of person," said Jones. At the same time, Jones described his work as primordial and essential.
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Renowned dancer and choreographer Bill T.
Jones delivered an inspirational Convocation address as Bloomfield College celebrated the
beginning of the academic year on October 19 at the Robert V. Van Fossan Theatre. Jones, a 1994 recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, co-founded the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 1982 with his late partner, Arnie Zane. His work often explores the issues of race, sexual orientation and interracial relationships. Jones spoke about his approaches to creativity, and acknowledged the difficulties that often accompany the artistic process.
"Dancing got under my skin and it will not let me go," he said. "My work is my passion. My work is to make something beautiful with my body and with other human bodies."In a question-and-answer session with students, Jones encouraged students to look inward and find their own passion. "The young dancer in me that was not yet formed wanted to know ‘how do I leap? How do I turn? How do I stay on balance? Asking the question was how I found the answers," said Jones. "The curiosity is the passionate hand of desire." Jones also spoke about living with HIV, and how the disease has changed his life and his goals. "HIV has said to me ‘I challenge you to keep going and join this big dance that you say you believe in.’ It’s tried to make me a more loving man, a more clear man, and a more brave man," said Jones. "HIV has been a wonderful, horrible gift." |
