The world of dance mourns the loss of a true luminary, Kevin Wynn, who passed away today, Friday, October 13, 2023. A profound artist, choreographer, and educator, Wynn’s impact on the dance community was immeasurable. He was not just an Associate Professor Emeritus of Dance but also a cherished mentor, inspiring countless individuals with his brilliance and passion.
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Wynn’s journey in dance began with prestigious training at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Workshops for Careers in the Arts. His thirst for knowledge led him to further his education at Cal Arts and the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, where he honed his craft and artistic vision.
Wynn’s career was marked by collaborations with renowned dance companies and choreographers, including the José Limón Dance Company, Dianne McIntyre’s Sounds in Motion Dance Company, and Jacques d’Amboise, among others. His choreographic brilliance graced prestigious stages such as the Joyce Theater, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, and Symphony Space in New York City.
His artistic endeavors extended globally, with commissions from esteemed international organizations, including Ailey II, Singapore Dance Ensemble, and American Ballet Theater Intensive. Wynn’s dedication to dance education was unparalleled; he conducted workshops and served as a choreographer at prestigious institutions like the Tisch School of the Arts, Yale University, and UCLA.
Wynn’s contributions to the arts were acknowledged through numerous accolades and grants, including recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the Harkness Foundation. His exceptional dedication to D.R.A. (Dancers Responding to AIDS) earned him a distinguished award of appreciation.
In the academic realm, Wynn held the position of a part-time, tenured associate professor at the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College and contributed significantly to the Alvin Ailey/Fordham University BFA program. His impact was not limited to the classroom; he engaged in residencies across various countries, solidifying his international reputation in dance and choreography.
The dance community, as well as those who had the privilege of knowing him, mourn the loss of Kevin Wynn. His legacy as a visionary artist, inspiring teacher, and compassionate mentor will forever resonate, continuing to influence generations of dancers and artists to come.
Nattie Trogdon shared a post on fb on the death of Kevin:
I’ve written and deleted this post so many times as I don’t have the full words to encapsulate the spirit of this magnificent human – Kevin Wynn. My beloved teacher – an absolute force – a resilient spirit – a bighearted generous choreographer/dancer/friend.He would sit in the lounge at Purchase after class and talk to us about life and love and his experiences as a dancer and choreographer. He’d give us advice on where we should go and what artists we should look into -he loved us so deeply and cared about our futures as artists and people. He was cheeky and sly and at times relentless in his push for us to be better dancers. I’ll never forget him lovingly yelling at me in class “Nat – get your shit together” when I was checked out and wasn’t present and wasn’t giving it all to one of his absolutely mind-boggling combos. (If you know, you know) No one could make me get my shit together like Kev could.I loved him so dearly and every time I’d return to Purchase to sub a class or teach for a semester I’d stop by and see him if only for a brief moment. I’ll never forget how his eyes would light up and he’d give me the most massive full body hug “hey girl how you doin? You good? How’s your boo? He still dancing for that Doug guy? You dancing? Making work. Good. Keep it up”Kevin – you beautiful complex wonderful kind big hearted human. I’ll love you forever and ever. And I know I’m in a vast sea of people who love you so dearly and are mourning your loss right now. I wish you could’ve seen what we’re making at Purchase this semester and I wish I could’ve been enveloped by one of your full body hugs one more time. I think about you always – how you held space and cared for your students. How you weren’t afraid to be vulnerable and complex and show your humanity. I’ll throw some “monkey ears” into our work for you and know I’ve gotten my shit together and it’s a big thanks to the lessons you taught me a decade ago (even if it took some time for them to sink in)Rest in Peace Kevin Wynn. Thank you for everything. Holding all who loved him and shared the space with him in my heart today. 💔
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Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
