For the 45th consecutive year, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized as a vital “American Cultural Ambassador” to the world and New York City Center’s Principal Dance Company, returns to the New York City Center stage with performances through January 3, 2016.
Led by Robert Battle in his fifth season, Ailey’s renowned artists bring to life an expansive repertory of two dozen works by some of America’s most celebrated dance – makers during this exciting annual season, which has become a joyous holiday tradition.
This past weekend, we attended the Family Matinee Series performances presented each Saturday at 2pm during the season.
The show featured inspirational and moving pieces, Exodus, Four Corners, After the Rain Pas de Deux and Revelations.
Exodus
Photo by Paul Kolnik
Acclaimed hip-hop choreographer Rennie (Lorenzo) Harris created this world premiere that explores the idea of “exodus” –from one’s ignorance and conformity–as a necessary step toward enlightenment. The piece was set to gospel and house music along with spoken word. This was a very dramatic and extremely powerful and moving piece. Definitely a thought provoking piece given today’s world of chaotic times. But it is also uplifting in the message of our moving forward in these chaotic times to move upward and forward to affirm who we can become. The music really does bring the entire piece together with it’s score.
Four Corners
Photo by Paul Kolnik
Four Corners is set to the music of Carl Hancock Rux brings to life the vision of four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds. Drawing inspiration from the lyrics of Rux’s “Lamentations,” Four Corners trails eleven dancers as they rise to seek a life of peace on the “mountaintop.” While I enjoyed the dancing, I think this might have been my least favorite piece. That said, the dancers were outstanding. It just did not move me as the other performances.
Revelations
Photo by Andrew Eccles
Revelations is one of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater signature pieces since its premiere in 1960. This was quite evident from the reaction since so many people had seen it before. I can see why this piece has moved audiences around the world through its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring music. The piece is the to spirituals that the young Alvin Ailey first heard as a child attending Southern Baptist services.
What I really like about the piece is that it evokes those timeless themes of determination, hope, and transcendence as much as the uplifting music. Just so beautiful.
The performance was followed by Q&A with dancers Kanji Segawa, Hope Boykin, Collin Heyward and Rehearsal Director Matthew Rushing. This add-on was so exceptional for both adults and kids just to hear what life is like as a dancer and learn more about the performance pieces.
If you have the opportunity definitely get to a show before the season ends.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Dates: December 2, 2015 – January 3, 2016
Location: New York City Center – 131 West 55th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, New York, NY
Number (212) 581-1212
Visit www.alvinailey.org for more information.
Tickets starting at $25 are on sale at the New York City Center Box Office, through CityTix® at (212) 581-1212, or online at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org. Discount tickets are available for Ailey Super Fans who purchase tickets for more than one performance, for students with an appropriate ID, and for groups of ten or more (discounts do not apply to $25 tickets). For group sales, call 212-405-9082 or e-mail groupsales@alvinailey.org.
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom received tickets to facilitate this review.
