As a 14-year-old in Toronto, Canada, Jennifer Archibald was determined to get the autograph of Alvin Ailey Artistic Director Judith Jamison after seeing her with the world-famous troupe.

She hung backstage for hours at the then-O’Keefe Centre, hoping that Ms. Jamison’s autobiography “Dancing Spirit,” a gift from her parents, would bear Ms. Jamison’s personal signature when she left.

A backstage technician told Ms. Archibald the name of the hotel where Ms. Jamison was staying. Ms. Archibald went there and saw Ms. Jamison in the lobby. Not only did she get her book signed, but she received a chauffeured ride back to O’Keefe Centre and an indelible affirmation that she wanted to choreograph dance for the rest of her life.

Ms. Archibald, a graduate of the Alvin Ailey School, an acting lecturer at Yale School of Drama and founder and artistic director of the Arch Dance Company, has been a professional dancer for 28 years. Her career spans New York to Brazil. On Nov. 1-6, the Richmond Ballet is hosting performances of “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” choreographed by Ms. Archibald. The 1967 movie of the same name stars Sidney Poitier and Katharine Houghton as a couple braving an interracial relationship.

Ms. Archibald, the child of a white mother and a Black father, said her work to bring this story to the stage, through dance, is multifaceted.

“It’s about creating works that bring in a diverse audience and having audiences celebrate more than just the original classics,” she said. “Coming from an interracial relationship, the dynamics of that lifestyle crosses so many boundaries of love relationships.”

The movie and the muse

Ms. Archibald was introduced to the movie “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” by her parents. Consequently, Mr. Poitier became one of her favorite actors whom she wanted to honor. That homage includes being particular about every aspect of her upcoming ballet piece, including soundtrack selection and dancer selection.

The Richmond Ballet has 20 professional dancers – 16 in the main company and four in Richmond Ballet II, the second company. Last March, during the New Works Festival, a shorter version of “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” was performed at the building on E. Canal Street. After that, Ms. Archibald was approached about making the piece longer and developing a solid concept.

Earlier this month, Ms. Archibald rehearsed with the entire group before selecting the 10 dancers to perform, or be alternates, for the actual November performances. Racial depictions that mirror the storyline and consideration about how dancers perform not just ballet, but classical, modern, and street style dance was part of that process.

“I don’t come up with a pre plan (for dance moves). It’s an organic exchange,” she said.

The performance’s music selection was more of an intentional rhapsody.

Ms. Archibald considered as many as 175 songs that she narrowed down to six. They include music from soul singers such Donnie Hathaway and Sam Cooke. The songs are meant to capture the moment and the movement of both the dancers and the time period the story is portraying. The late 1960s was wrought with civil rights tension, particularly in the South, and the era’s music spoke to those tribulations.

“We have to make sure the music goes with the setting,” Ms. Archibald said.

Also top of mind for Ms. Archibald as she choreographs are the current social issues that challenge relationships, such as same-sex marriage and family structures. She hopes to tap into that element, too.

“I’m watching friends around me be brave and how they fall in love with who they want to fall in love with,” she said. “When people hear, “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” they may think (this is) a literal replica, but it’s really about having an audience member think about the struggles and challenges of unconventional relationships.”

Balanced Ballet

The Richmond Ballet has six productions a year and its Studio Theatre seats 250 people. Throughout the year, there’s also community engagement opportunities, including the Minds in Motion program that serves elementary students through dance, classroom curriculum, community partnerships, and professional performances, according to the Richmond Ballet website.

Having Ms. Archibald’s full production be fully realized after hosting a taste of it earlier this year during the New Works Festival is representative of “our artists and for our time,” Richmond Ballet Artistic Director Stoner Winslett said.

“We’re so excited to welcome Jennifer Archibald, an important voice in the world of dance, back to Richmond,” she said. “The mission of Richmond Ballet is to awaken, uplift, and unite human spirits through the power of dance, and we can’t wait for our audiences to experience her powerful world premiere, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner.”

Ms. Archibald moved from Toronto to New York to pursue dance professionally. She credits her parents with giving her the confidence needed to go after her career.

“You’re always aware, as a Black person, when you’re walking into white spaces,” Ms. Archibald said. “My parents had to talk to me about not walking with blinders on and being gracious to people. It was a good balance.”

Ms. Archibald has been asked how she plans to conclude the piece, from an emotional standpoint. The “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” work will last approximately 30 minutes. In the actual movie, the parents of both main characters accept their children’s relationship.

“It’s about celebrating the purity of love ... it can definitely win,” she said.

Tickets may be purchased at etix.com or by calling the Richmond Ballet Box Office at 804.344.0906, extension 224.