2017 MSU : Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

2017 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

by Patricia Britt

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater proves its awe every time they perform!

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre enthralled the souls of a grateful MSU audience once more.

The program consisted of Exodus (2015), Open Door (2015), After the Rain Pas De Deux (2014), and Revelations (1960). The company that began in 1958 with Blues Suite. www.alvinailey.org  Explore Our History | Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Explore Our History | Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Exodus began with grief then joy. Open Door began with a gentle modern dance ballet by a couple followed by a happy dance in a group with jazz salsa rhythms showing the freedom of dance with vibrant yet muted costume tones. The dancers then mesmerized as tinkling light piano keys in a mellow salsa beat, and driving horns set the pace. After the Rain Pas De Deux began with classic modern dance performed by a couple in a delicate love dance on the wings of love in unison with the heart.

Revelations classic spirituals in Pilgrim of Sorrow (I Been Buked, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Fix Me, Jesus), and Take Me to the Water (Processional/Honor, Honor, Wade in the Water, I Wanna Be Ready), and Move, Members, Move ( Sinner Man, The Day is Past Gone, You May Run On, Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.) satisfied the traditional fans. The company worked it's magic with spiritual angular movements, soul searchin in a somber reflection of the spirit. Followed by light hearted Wading in the Water with the classic utilization of material to crate illusions. There were extensions, and solos, elevations, and fluid movements that told stories from once upon a time.

To see The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre makes you want to see all the great dancers from Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Misty Copeland, Carmen de Lavallade, Twyla Tharp, and so many others that we are able to experience through the Internet. You can read more about each of these legendary artist on wikipedia,org, and see them on youtube.com Artistic dance stays with you.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre is truly a marvelous treasure with a spirit that speaks to every soul.

These are young people that exhibit what's always made America's culture great, as they collaborate to imbue a sense of oneness in the world. Dance is the language of love.

See performances at Michigan State University's www.thewhartoncenter.com

2017 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Quotes

 “Learn the craft of knowing how to open your heart and to turn on your creativity. There’s a light inside of you.” ― Judith Jamison

I am trying to show the world that we are all human beings and that color is not important. What is important is the quality of our work. - by Alvin Ailey

Dance is also universal. You can take it anyplace and people will understand it, because it's a language everyone speaks. by Carmen de Lavallade