Alvin Ailey dancer: Israeli security me perform for them

[Bluebear]

JERUSALEM - A performer with the famed Alvin Ailey dance troupe on Tuesday said he was twice forced to perform steps for Israeli airport security officers to prove his identity before he was permitted to enter the country.

Abdur-Rahim Jackson, an eight-year veteran of the dance ensemble, said he was singled out by Israel's renowned airport security because he has a Muslim name. He called the experience embarrassing and said at one point, one of the officers even suggested he change his name.

"To be greeted like this because of my name, it took me back a little bit," said Jackson, who is black.

Israel is the first stop on a six-nation tour celebrating the New York-based dance company's 50th anniversary. Earlier this year, Congress passed a resolution calling the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater a "vital American cultural ambassador to the world."


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/israel_airport_dance

[Bob Dobbs]

1. The irony of Israeli fascism is rich.

They should thank us for causing them to not be the most like the nazis in the 21st century, since we're #1.

USA, USA.

[alfredo]

2. Like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsPRVEHDT2s

[Bluebear]

4. 5, 6, 7, 8! Step, bump!

I love that!

[alfredo]

7. What a great ensemble cast.

[Bob Dobbs]

5. Love the Reno 911.

Brilliant stuff.

[alfredo]

6. A favorite show.

Bob Dobbs?

[Eric J in MN]

3. There is a Fred Astaire movie...

...in which he finishes dinner but doesn't have his wallet, and he has to dance to prove he's a famous dancer (so that the restaurant can send him the bill).

I think it's "The Gay Divorcee."