Gary native returns to dance roots
By Lisa DeNeal Post-Tribune correspondent February 8, 2012 2:20PM
Renaldo Gardner performs a solo dance at the West Side Theatre in Gary, Ind. Wednesday February 8, 2012. Gardner is a Gary native and member of the West Side Theatre Guild who performed with the Ailey II dance troupe. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media
At a glance
Renaldo Gardner’s accomplishements include:
Scholarship student at The Ailey School
Scholarship student at Ballet Chicago
Scholarship student at Deeply Rooted Dance Theater
Internship at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance.
Second place in modern dance from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, 2008
Recipient of the the Dizzy Feet Scholarship, 2009
Article Extras
Updated: March 11, 2012 8:34AM
GARY — Renaldo Gardner, a member of the critically acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, treated his hometown to a solo performance Wednesday.
Gardner danced as part of a matinee performance of Ailey II, a troupe for younger dancers from which he graduated last April, at the West Side Leadership Academy.
His full day also included reuniting with former dance instructors, teaching a master’s class to Emerson Visual and Performing Arts Academy and DancExcel dance students and taping a television special at Indiana University Northwest.
And, he received a key to the city from Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.
His dance expertise thrilled the audience, which responded with a standing ovation.
“This is something my son’s wanted to do all his life. It is an awesome feeling to see him live his dream,” Gardner’s mother, Ruby Lee Smith, said.
Gardner said the outpouring of love was overwhelming.
“I am just shocked and humbled by the support. It feels great, awesome to be back home and see everyone,” the 21-year-old said.
Gary Community Schools Superintendent Myrtle Campbell called Gardner one of Gary’s pride and joy. “We are very proud of you and we hope you will continue to take Gary with you where ever you perform,” she said.
Emerson alum Krystle Simmons said she was an older student she first saw Gardner’s gift first hand.
“Me and the other kids would look at Renaldo and wonder what kind of energy does he possess. I mean he just blew us away,” she said.
Gardner’s hometown dance teachers included Emerson’s Larry Brewer and Michael Davis.
Brewer said when Gardner was a fourth grader he hounded the child’s mother to have her son audition for Emerson.
“When he auditioned, I knew he was not going to graduate from Emerson. I knew he would end up in New York,” Brewer said. Gardner graduated from Talent Unlimited High School in New York City.
Brewer said when Gardner was in sixth grade he executed performances routines reserved for high school students.
Emerson dance student Deja Key, 13, could not contain her excitement meeting Gardner. Brewer gently pushed her into the dancer’s embrace to calm her.
“I’ve heard so much about him and I am just thrilled to be a part of his class,” Key said.
Gardner’s move from Ailey II to the premier Alvin Ailey troupe didn’t surprise the mayor. “I knew he was destined for greatness,” Freeman-Wilson said.
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