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 53rd 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.
Reflection
I fell in love with them during the pandemic when they kept the dance going with weekly online performances in Ailey All Access (Day 367). I was hooked watching the fluidity of the dance that told stories though movement. The opening, “Sentimental Mood” by Jamar Roberts carried the audience away to the jazz age of speakeasys with music by Duke Ellington and other jazz classics. I was transfixed on the arm isolation movements of the couple as they told the narrative of a yoyo relationship that ended in separation.
There were audience whoops and hollers for the dance “Are You in Your Feelings?” by Kyle Abraham. Maybe it was because the creator is from our hometown or because of the music choice ranging from Drake to Summer Walker. The piece explored black culture, mixing hip hop, soul and R and B. My friend leaned over during the performance, “I really like this music” and I thought, “I really love the explosive energy in the room.”
“Revelation” first preformed 60 years ago, choreographed by Alvin Ailey, has been seen around the world. It was one of the first contemporary works that explored the pain and joy of man in a dance to African American spirituals. I had only seen excerpts online at Ailey All Access (see here). The full dance was mesmerizing and emotional, depicting the harshness and the resilience of mankind. This finale lived up to the hype and sure spread the joy of telling a story with movement.
(Alvin Ailey Tour 2023 is a must, see the schedule here. The Pittsburgh Dance Council 23-24 season brings another series of fantastic dance to explore. )
Spiritual Reflection
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.
Other Sources.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNqaixKbrjs
https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/tour-schedules
https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2020/04/day-367-alvin-ailey-american-dance.html