The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are back and if you have never seen their astounding Revelations, book now!
The highly acclaimed New York-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is planning a historic return to South Africa in September after 17 years, with a schedule of 20 performances and a variety of educational activities for students.
This is the second trip to the continent, but the first led by their new artistic director, Robert Battle. It includes a 13-performance engagement in Joburg at the Teatro at Montecasino from September 3 to 13 and seven shows in Cape Town at Artscape, from September 16 to 20.
“Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater last visited Joburg in 1998 and we are delighted to welcome back this iconic dance company for a groundbreaking return,” says local promoter, Hazel Feldman, of Showtime Management.
There are two alternating programmes of about two hours each, both ending with the heart-stopping Revelations, a US masterpiece set to spirituals that is acclaimed as a must-see. Ailey’s signature piece is a tribute to his heritage and a testament to his genius, exploring places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.
Exodus, a highly anticipated season world premiere by bold hip hop choreographer, Rennie Harris, will be performed to a soul-lifting score of gospel house music. Harris has been known to mix Shakespeare with hip hop, poetry, rap music and movement and is a pioneer in performing, choreographing, teaching and revolutionising contemporary concert dance by introducing the African-American dance form to a worldwide audience.
In Polish Pieces, Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen displays his mastery for building dazzling creations from simple motifs and geometric patterns. Driven by the rhythms of Henryk Górecki’s score, the 12 dancers in this colourful ensemble work create a brilliant kaleidoscope through endlessly shifting formations that culminate in two sensual pas de deux.
Christopher Wheeldon’s dreamlike After the Rain Pas de Deux – praised for its sublime simplicity and intricate partnering – was an instant hit on the New York City Ballet circuit in 2005. Set to music by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, the sensual male-female pas de deux will be revealed in a fresh light as the Ailey dancers make it their own.
Other works to be performed include the repertory favourites Night Creature, Ailey’s homage to the musical genius of eminent American composer Duke Ellington; the spiritually-charged work Grace by celebrated choreographer Ronald K. Brown; and Battle’s own high-flying and humorous solo, Takademe.
He says: “As Alvin Ailey said himself: ‘Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people’.
“I’m excited for audiences to share in uplifting performances, and for students to experience life-changing interactions with the world’s most amazing dancers.”
The Ailey organisation continues its mission of using dance to educate young people through special student performances, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, and master classes on the tour.
Extensive educational activities are being planned in both Joburg and Cape Town and the surrounding areas. Two South African dancers and choreographers, David Matemela and Mamela Nyamza, trained on scholarship at The Ailey School in New York. Both returned home with invaluable knowledge of dance techniques and style, which contributed enormously to their success on the local front.
“I know that South African audiences will be transfixed and inspired by the company’s performances in Joburg and Cape Town, as well as the fantastic educational outreach programmes that the group is planning during their visit,” stated US Ambassador to South Africa Patrick H Gaspard.
“Receiving the Ailey company in South Africa in September will truly be a highlight of my tenure as ambassador.”