Dance@Arsht

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most beloved dance companies, is celebrating its 65^thanniversary season. The engagement will showcase the passionate spirit and extraordinary technique of the Company’s dancers.

The season’s repertory includes exciting new works commissioned especially for Ailey: Amy Hall Garner’s rousing, high-spirited tribute to her grandfather, CENTURY; Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s dreamlike reminiscence of romance, Me, Myself and You; new productions of Ronald K. Brown’s Dancing Spirit, Jamar Roberts’ Ode and Solo by Hans van Manen; and, as always, Alvin Ailey’s must-see American masterpiece Revelations. Since its debut in 1960, Revelations has been moving audiences with its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring music, evoking timeless themes of determination, hope and transcendence. An intimate reflection of Ailey’s childhood memories of growing up in the South and attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas, Revelations pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African American community and explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition. 

In 2008, a U.S. Congressional resolution designated the company “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world” that celebrates the African American cultural experience and preserves and enriches America’s modern dance heritage. Although he created 79 ballets over his lifetime, Ailey maintained that his company was not exclusively a repository for his own work.

Learn choreography from Revelations and see the award-winning Florida Memorial University marching band!

Before the Friday night performance on February 2, we will celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Alvin Ailey and the African American cultural experience through a pre-show activation on the plaza in partnership with BOMA (Black Owned Media Alliance). Beginning at 6 p.m., Step Into Dance – A Tribute to Black History Month will feature a Revelations workshop where the community can learn choreography from the masterpiece followed by performances from the Florida Memorial University marching band, dance and step teams.

6 p.m. – Revelations Workshop – Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs

7 p.m. – Step team performance – Florida Memorial University 

7:25 p.m. – ROAR Elite Marching band performance – Florida Memorial University 

Friday, February 2 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 3 at 2 p.m.

CENTURY

Amy Hall Garner’s first work for Ailey, CENTURY, is a deeply personal piece inspired by her grandfather on the eve of his 100^th birthday. Taking a cue from his spirited essence and set to the music of Ray Charles, Count Basie, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and others, CENTURY is a pure dance work celebrating life, resilience and joy.

Me, Myself, and You – pause – Solo

Former Ailey dancer Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s Me, Myself and You is a dreamlike duet about reminiscence. Set to Damien Sneed and Brandie Sutton’s rendition of “In a Sentimental Mood,” it conjures memories of love and passion for a woman asking herself if she should let go or forge ahead.

Hans van Manen divides his dynamic Solo among three dancers in a tour de force that challenges the Ailey men's daring agility and grace. This explosive display of virtuosity and wit launches the performers into an exhilarating whirlwind of movement and musicality. 

Revelations

Using African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.”

Saturday, February 3 at 8 p.m.

Dancing Spirit

Ronald K. Brown’s Dancing Spirit pays tribute to "Ailey Artistic Director Emerita", Judith Jamison’s profound influence, using movement from Cuba, Brazil and the United States to conjure dancing spirits who embody Jamison’s elegance, dignity and generosity. 

Ode

Former Ailey dancer Jamar Roberts’ Ode offers a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life in a time of growing gun violence. This tender, engrossing work will be staged with an all-female cast and features a jazz score by Don Pullen and Roberts’ own costume designs 

Revelations

Using African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.”

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