Many people have heard of Rogers Park in Inglewood because of basketball legends like James Worthy, Paul Pierce, and Lisa Leslie, who all got their start there.

But Matthew Rushing was just 9 years old when he first began dancing inside the Rec Center at Rogers Park.

He grew up in Inglewood and found his calling when dance instructor Kashmir Blake saw his talent.

Rushing danced under Blake's tutelage until he graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.

He now lives in New York City where he has been with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company for 26 years. 

Rushing is twirling around in the Rec Center lobby when Blake comes running in.

“Mattyyyyyyyyyyy,” she screams and they come together in a huge embrace. Rushing is in Los Angeles with Alvin Ailey as part of a North American tour for its 60th anniversary celebration.

They stroll arm in arm around the park catching up.

“I often tell people that the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is part of my identity as a black man and also the importance of preserving the culture and modern dance tradition. And also being what we are known as ambassadors to the world like that carries a huge responsibility. Knowing that as you travel, you are a reflection of America's best," Rushing said.

Alvin Ailey was an African American choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York in 1958. Sixty years later, the Ailey Company has established itself as one of the most eclectic and diverse dance companies that has been designated by Congress as “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world."

Rushing was taking dance classes and doing local performances when he was first introduced to the Alvin Ailey dance company when Blake took him to performances.

During his career at Alvin Ailey, Rushing has been a dancer, choreographer, and the rehearsal director. 

Blake hugged him for the hundredth time and said, “I'm so proud of you. And he's so good!”  

The Alvin Ailey Company has performed for over 23 million people in 71 countries on six continents. But for Rushing, there's nothing like performing in his hometown.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be performing at the Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles through April 7.

For more information, visit alvinailey.org.