BWW Reviews: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Thrills at City Center

The much-anticipated season of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is at City Center now through January 4th. Come see the company more than once. There are a number of different programs, each offering dance pieces that are absolutely exhilarating. They include world premieres, company premieres, new productions and returning favorites. The Ailey magic is here for the holidays. Kudos to Artistic Director, Robert Battle for once again delivering audiences a season to remember.

We attended the Thursday, December 11th evening performance. Three distinctively different pieces showcased the company's remarkable versatility.

The program opened with Pleasure of the Lesson, choreographed by Robert Moses, with music by Robert Moses and David Worm, costumes by Jon Taylor and Lighting by Al Crawford. Even though I have seen Pleasure of the Lesson before, the piece continues to enthrall with ten dancers beautifully paired in a sensual, evocative display.

The second piece of the evening was Bad Blood, which had its Ailey premiere in 1986. Choreographed by Ulysses Dove, restaged by Masazumi Chaya, music by Laurie Anderson and Peter Gabriel with costume and scenic design by Carol Vollet Garner and lighting by Beverly Emmons. This perfect collective features seven of the Ailey dancers. The work is both graceful and dramatic with a defining moment in spoken text that stated, "You can be walking and falling at the same time."

The final piece of the evening, Minus 16, was an audience favorite. This number made its Ailey premiere in 2011 with choreography by Ohad Naharin, restaging by Danielle Agami, featuring music by a variety of artists, costumes by Ohad Naharin and lighting by Avi Yona Bueno. The opening is captivating with the Ailey dancers dressed in business attire, performing on semi-circle of chairs. The breakout moment occurred when audience members were invited to the stage to dance with the company. Dance as a unifying art comes full circle in this piece.

Don't miss the opportunity to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in all their glory at New York City Center through January 4th 2015. New York City Center is located at 131 West 55th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) New York, NY. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at the New York City Center box Office, through CityTix at (212) 581-1212, online at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Kolnik

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