Choreographer Alvin Aleey Jr is most famous for redefining modern dance, especially among African American participation in 20th century concert dance. He founded the Alvin Alley Dance Theater in New York, which soon received international prominence with widespread global touring. On December 1st, 1989, his life was cut short due to the devastating results of AIDS, and last Thursday night the City Center remembered his legacy (along with commemorating World Aids Day) with a special performance.
The show on Thursday featured three pieces, “Anointed,” “Home,” and “Revelations.” In “Anointed,” the dance express the torch-passing from Ailey to Judith Jamison, and eventually Robert Battle. I know this is a bit of a stretch, yet this idea reminded me of “Faune” by Pontus Lidberg, (which we witnessed November 1st during the Fall for Dance) in which the dancers chronologically switched, and eventually passed down each outfit to the next potential Faun in the circle.
“Home” is the second piece, jam-packed with sexual undertones and charm. The work entails the dancers to develop an internal dynamism in order to portray the “Lester Horton technique.” I found a sample video of the performance of the third performance, “Revelations.” While watching it, I quickly fell in love with the piece. Check it out for yourself, and see if you concur.
It is interesting to note that the author of the article comments on the “unfortunate track record” of ballet and modern-dance companies on “appropriating hip-hop dance without treating it with the respect it deserves.” However, he then goes on to compliment Mr. Harris’ ability to decompose and reorganize dance successfully, all while disregarding the hip hop status quo.
For those interested, the Alvin Alley Dance Theater will continue to perform until January 1st.
