Displaying items by tag: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Two dancers stand center stage. The traditional, spiritual music begins to play as they start to move. Very much in unison, and slowly in time with the rhythm. We are in the first segment of Revelations - “Pilgrim of Sorrow.” The first two segments were larger group numbers, but this one feels different.

“Fix Me, Jesus” features a duet, and as the song continues, Ailey’s choreography only heightens. Just when you might think the pure strength on stage cannot become more mesmerizing, the dancers wow you with yet another move. The male dancer dips the female to the stage with little more support than his hand on her head. Then he lifts her into the air with his feet, and she continues to amaze with kick after kick – holding her extension at full height for multiple seconds at a time.  Each acrobatic feat elicited cheers from this opening night audience and even brought some to their feet upon the number’s completion.

Alvin Ailey’s company is full of so many incredible dancers. Every number showcased impressive talent that left the eager audience wanting more. However, you just might find that what pushes these numbers over the top is the clear connection that the performers not only share with each other, but also the material. Whether it’s a large group number or a duet like “Fix Me, Jesus,” there is an emotional resonance to each of the pieces that pushes the storytelling over the top.

Helmed by Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s tour to the Auditorium Theater showcases a range of material. Long-time fans of the company (like myself) are sure to recognize some of the famous pieces – such as Revelations. This particular performance also sprinkled in some of the newer pieces from the company – including Grace and Finding Free. Each piece was stunning, and from the uproars of applause from the surrounding audience, it was clear I was not alone in my assessment.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Hope Boykin's Finding Free.

Cry was certainly a favorite at this performance, and it’s not hard to see why. Alvin Ailey choreographed this piece as a birthday present to his mother back in 1971, and as noted in the program, it continues to serve as a celebration of “black women everywhere – especially our mothers.” With costumes by A. Christina Giannini, the women on stage wear long, flowing white skirts that twirl and sway with every movement. Particularly when combined with the blue of Chenault Spence’s lighting design, the women almost feel angelic. So much of this performance was met with cheers and standing ovations, but this particular number left audience members silent – clearly leaning into the heartfelt, emotional depth of the piece.

As much as the slower, heavier pieces stood out, you might find that it is hard to top the pure joy that exudes from the final installment of Revelations - “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.” This number is a full-ensemble moment – with each member dressed up to the nines for a church service. With the men in suits and the women carrying fans, they dance in unison and are clearly having a blast as the music moves through them. Audience members, swept along in the passion, even began to clap along to the music – which only invited the smiles on the dancers to grow.

Full of talent and delight, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performance simply does not disappoint. Whether you are a long-time fan or completely new to the company, there’s a little something for everyone.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s run at the Auditorium Theater (50 East Ida B. Wells Drive) ended on Sunday, March 9. See the Auditorium Theatre website for  information on other performances in their season. 

*You can also find this review featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/.

What an honor and delight to see Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater return to the historic Auditorium Theater during its 125 Anniversary year with our First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama serving as Honorary Chair for the 2014-2015 season!

Chicago is not only the groundbreaking company’s home; the Auditorium Theater is host to the longest run of domestic performances by Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater outside of New York city.

The program changes each night of the run except for the performance of Ailey’s seminal work “Revelations”. I have seen “Revelations” in the past and it never fails to deeply move me and inspire great hope.

“Revelations” truly does “explore the emotions of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul”. Ailey uses classic songs like “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” and “Sinner Man” to paint with his superbly trained dancers many expressive and poignant pictures of hopelessness leading to deliverance in the African American tradition.

The program I viewed also featured the refreshingly modern “Chroma” and “Four Corners” which stunningly portrayed the four Archangels guarding the four corners of the earth, holding in their angelic hands the four winds.  It was breathtaking and beautifully performed.

I highly recommend seeing as many of the different nights of dance Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater bestows upon its beloved Chicago audiences. The spectacular strength and beauty of Ailey’s dancers as directed by Robert Battle since 2011 will be a great source of inspiration and joy to all the members of your family, especially little girls and boys who dream of dancing with this exceptional troupe one day.

Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater will be performing at the Auditorium Theater (50 East Congress Way, Chicago) through March 9^th. For tickets and/or more information, visit http://www.alvinailey.org.