Last night we attended the Opening Night of Alvin Ailey's American Dance Theatre at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre was founded by Alvin Ailey in 1957 and primarily consisted of African American dancers only. He has been credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in the arts. The Theatre plays a crucial social role using the beauty and humanity of the African American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds. Alvin Ailey passed away in 1989 and personally chose Judith Jamson to become the Artistic Director, who were were able to meet over champagne afterwards!
The evening comprised of 3 performances, each different, passionate, vibrant and beautifully executed.
Hymn, a tribute to Alvin Ailey choreographed by Judith Jamison, a tapestry of dance and voice recordings that created picture-biography of Ailey's loving legacy. The original performance received an Emmy in 1999.
Suite Otis, a tribute to the late Otis Reading was matched with famous tunes such as Try a Little Tenderness, I've Been Loving You Too Long and even (I Can't Get) No Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones.
Revelations, Ailey's most popular and critically acclaim piece of work, premiered and choreographed in 1960, it is a masterpiece that has been seen by more people around the work that any other work of dance. It draws on Ailey's experience growing up in the south of Texas, the blues, spiritual & gospel music and is a cultural expression for the African American community.
Truly an amazing evening!
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre was founded by Alvin Ailey in 1957 and primarily consisted of African American dancers only. He has been credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in the arts. The Theatre plays a crucial social role using the beauty and humanity of the African American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds. Alvin Ailey passed away in 1989 and personally chose Judith Jamson to become the Artistic Director, who were were able to meet over champagne afterwards!
The evening comprised of 3 performances, each different, passionate, vibrant and beautifully executed.
Hymn, a tribute to Alvin Ailey choreographed by Judith Jamison, a tapestry of dance and voice recordings that created picture-biography of Ailey's loving legacy. The original performance received an Emmy in 1999.
Suite Otis, a tribute to the late Otis Reading was matched with famous tunes such as Try a Little Tenderness, I've Been Loving You Too Long and even (I Can't Get) No Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones.
Revelations, Ailey's most popular and critically acclaim piece of work, premiered and choreographed in 1960, it is a masterpiece that has been seen by more people around the work that any other work of dance. It draws on Ailey's experience growing up in the south of Texas, the blues, spiritual & gospel music and is a cultural expression for the African American community.
Truly an amazing evening!
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