Day 396 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater- Connects with Pittsburgh- Spreads Joy and Unity through Dance.

 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, founded in NYC in 1960 by Alvin Ailey, was one of the first contemporary dance companies in the US. I love the history of the company and its mission to bring dance to the community “using the beauty and humanity of the African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds.”

It’s been 20 years since they visited Pittsburgh. This company was part of the very first season of the Pittsburgh Dance Council which is now in its 53^rd year.  There was excitement in the air for this anticipated Pittsburgh reunion performance of two, 2022 world premier dances, and Revelation by Alvin Ailey, created in 1992.  On May 9, 2023, Pittsburgh welcomed back Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a company that brings  joy and unity through dance.  

Day 395- Broadway in Pittsburgh-Dear Evan Hansen-So Real and Relevant

 

Dear Evan Hansen tackles real life issues, elevating discussions on difficult topics such as suicide and mental health through song. Evan (Anthony Norman) is an awkward high school teen struggling to fit in and Connor (August Emerson) is a troubled teen who doesn’t.  When Connor ends his life, Evan fakes their friendship to help the family cope and befriend the sister, his school crush. Social media adds fire to this fabrication which results in Evan acquiring a group of friends and the sister’s affection.  This all sounds so messed up, which is exactly how life really is at times. Dear Evan Hansen, through a beautifully written musical score, is so real and relevant. It strikes a chord with anyone who has felt left out or alone. 

 Refection

Opening the play, Evan writes a letter to himself, an exercise given by his therapist to combat his low self-esteem, anxiety, and loneness. He writes, “Today is going to be a good day…” but it really is not.  

Day 394-Alvin Ailey revisited - Dance for Pittsburgh

 During the pandemic Alvin Ailey kept the dance going with virtual "Ailey All Access."  They are finally back to Pittsburgh after 20 years. Their show was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will bring 2 new works and "Revelations" choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1960, to Pittsburgh on Tuesday May 9, 2023. For tickets go to trustarts.org.

Revisit April 2020 post:

During this “stay home” period, I have been in search of new “art experiences.” New York based Alvin Ailey Dance Theater offers "Ailey All Access"- weekly full-length dance videos from their repertory every Thursday, Ailey dancer conversations on Instagram live every Wednesday and Saturday at 1 pm, and virtual dance classes.  This is an opportunity to experience this modern ballet dance company whose mission is to use “the beauty and humanity of the African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds” through dance.