Alvin Ailey's golden years

Alvin Ailey's golden years

by Eric Andrews-Katz - SGN Contributing Writer Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater The Paramount March 28-30 To say the golden years of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater have come is an understatement. Yes, the nationally known and highly awarded dance company is turning 50 years old, but it seems as if they are just reaching their stride. The glorious dance troupe appeared at the Paramount for only three days, but each show was unique. On Friday, March 28 (opening night), the company performed three different suites all choreographed by famous American choreographers including: Judith Jamison, Twyla Tharp, Maurice Béjart and, of course, Alvin Ailey. (Sunday's performance, March 30, celebrated the actual 50th anniversary of the company. Alvin Ailey originally choreographed all the presented ballets.) Each ballet celebrated life with beauty and grace. Beginning the evening's event, a short film introducing us to the history of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater greeted the audience. Clips of past interviews with Mr. Ailey, early troupe member Judith Jamison and others attempted to prepare the audience for what we were about to see: A celebration of 50 years of one of the greatest dance companies ever formed. When the film finished, the lights dimmed and changed colors. A hush fell over the crowd and the tension of anticipation began to bind the audience together. With the first of several ballets, male and female bodies sprung to life. Statuesque physiques cast a spell over the audience as they glided over the stage with ethereal movement. Choreographed originally in 1970 by Maurice Béjart (best known for his reworking of The Nutcracker into a boy's dark sexual fantasy) the music was written by Stravinsky for his "Firebird Suite." The ballet shows the life of a phoenix, the Firebird. A striking figure in red dominates the center of the stage fanning life into existence. The forms around him respond to the energy and burst forth with dance. When life has progressed, the red form takes center stage, spinning into frenzy. Another figure in red appears and we know it is the newborn phoenix rising from the flames of his predecessor. The Golden Section marked the middle ballet. Choreographed by Twyla Tharp (Broadway's Movin' Out and the film Amadeus) with music composed by David Byrne, the name obviously came from the scant and golden costumes the dancers wore. Once again, beautiful dancers graced the stage, each motion expressing glory. The bodies seemed to shimmer, displaying defined muscles that most audience members only dream of obtaining. The final section, Revelations, consisted of several shorter ballets all done with gospel flair. Originally choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1960, it was restaged by Judith Jamison, who became artistic director of the dance troupe upon Ailey's death in 1989. The music, composed by several different artists including Duke Ellington, ranges with gospel tones from deep sorrow to a melody as light as the dancers are on stage. Set in the American South, this section of the night's ballet shows a full circle of life's dance. From struggles to celebration, this eloquent section is done majestically with white billowy costumes and exquisite beauty. Women gather with large bonnets and larger fluttering fans as they gossip over cleaning lines and imaginary fence posts. They chatter about themselves but mostly about the approaching men that come to court them. The elation in the music and the flow of motion sweep the audience into an uplifting experience. Alvin Ailey Jr. was born in Texas in 1931 and began dancing at an early age. One of his first original ballets presented was Revelations, drawn from his early years of blues and gospel; something he called his "blood memories." Founding a dance company in 1958, Alvin Ailey gained nationally acclaim, eventually establishing a school in 1969. In 1980 the school moved to a new location with four new studios on New York's Broadway. He created more than 70 ballets and his company has danced the works of more than 50 different choreographers. At age 58, Alvin Ailey Jr. died of AIDS complications in 1989. After 50 years, his company is still going strong to celebrate the wonderful experience of the dancer's art.