“Dance artists over 50 years of age who have repeatedly performed at the top of their game from show to show, company to company, stage to stage, have survived on the passion of what they do and own. They have not only persevered time and convention, but they have withstood the test of time by defying what some see as the limitations of age. For these extraordinarily talented artists, age is not an obstacle when it comes to achieving sustained artistic discovery and excellence.”

Michael Blake will speak and perform a special choreographed piece with other dancers over age 50 on this very subject on the stage at TEDxAsburyPark’s Passion in May. Michael has his MFA in dance and has won the 2010 Bessie Award. He shares that it is a blessing to continue his dance life for this long. He turns 60 years old this year, has had both hips replaced, and still lives for the chance to dance every day. “Dance is life-affirming, and I am so lucky to have found it, or did dance find me?”

Michael holds an MFA in dance from SUNY Purchase, is a recipient of a 2010 Bessie Award, (Dance and Performance), has performed with the Murray Louis Dance Company, the Limon Dance Company, Donald Byrd/The Group, PARADIGM Dance-nyc, Cab Calloway’s Cotton Club Review, and at the Supper Club NYC. He was the Artistic Director of the Jazz and Contemporary Trainee Program, Joffrey Ballet School for 6 years. Currently teaching Contemporary Dance at Steps on Broadway, and the Peridance Capezio Center in New York City, and is a teaching artist/Adjunct Professor in the BA and Graduate Dance programs at Hunter College.

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