Review: Bold Visions and Statements with ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has returned to the New York City Center for their annual season in what has become a joyful holiday tradition for many-including myself! This year's season is full of new works, new productions, and familiar and beloved Ailey favorites. I was fortunate to be able to attend the performance on the evening of December 12, 2017.

The program opened with the explosive masterpiece of Ulysses Dove, Episodes. Here, Dove plays with the battle of the sexes through the external dilemma of men and women- can we live with each other or can we live without each other? I loved this piece as the dancers performed with such precision, along with fierce and intense energy. There was no room for error on this stage! It was truly captivating to watch. There were several moments that gave me goosebumps! I was particularly drawn to the sharp movements and quickness found throughout the piece. The audience cheered in awe of the complexities of the choreography by the renowned Mr. Dove.

Next featured a new production of Shelter, for its anticipated return to the Ailey stage for its 25th anniversary by Urban Bush Women founder and 2017 New York Dance & Performance "Bessie" Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Set to the drumming by Junior "Gabu" Wedderburn, with poetry by Hattie Gossett and Laurie Carlos, this piece with an all-female cast explores the ideas and feelings associated with homelessness and its inevitable effects on all people. It showcased the concepts of the haves and the have nots. As much as we tell ourselves, "that will never be us" to live off of the streets, we actually have more in common as that too could be you. Zollar has done a wonderful job depicting the real image and emotions in relationship with being between a rock and a hard place.

The evening continued with a personal favorite of mine- The Hunt by current Artistic Director of the Ailey company, Robert Battle, featuring the percussive sounds by Les Tambours du Bronx. Drawing from his background in martial arts, the dance for six men, takes you inside the spirited ritual of preparation for the hunt that tests their physical limits. It is another fierce and intense piece! It is exciting to see the aggression, determination, and masculinity of these amazing dancers. Following these two pieces, which were performed back-to-back, there was such an exciting buzz in the air!

An Ailey season is never complete without seeing the cherished favorite, Revelations- a cultural staple that has made an impression on audiences around the world. This is Mr. Ailey's signature work that pays homage to the African American experience. As soon as the music came on, the audience began cheering and applauding in anticipation of the excitement to come. Although, the piece has its roots from Mr. Ailey's memories growing up in the Baptist church, you don't have to be religious to appreciate this artful expression that has become the epitome of dance. I can now say that my holiday is complete, because I have seen the incredible dancers perform the classic piece of Revelations.

Be sure to catch the remainder of this exciting Ailey season, through the rest of December. Tickets start at just $29! Tickets can be purchased through the New York City Center box office, City Tix, by calling 212-581-1212 or online at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycityenter.org. Discounts are available for Ailey Super Fans- who buy tickets for more than one performance, students, and groups of 10 or more. It is always a worthwhile investment to see the world's preeminent dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

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