With an adrenaline-fueled rush, Robert Battle's "Awakening" ushers in a new era for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. But while it feels like a departure for both Battle as choreographer and for the company, in truth "Awakening" in many ways continues Alvin Ailey's vision.
"I will never again say I can't do anything!" declares 14-year-old Kyle Grant from Mitchells Plain, a crime-riddled township of Cape Town. This young dance student has just witnessed the exhilarating Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's (AAADT) mini-performance for school children at the city's largest theater.
The First Lady welcomed young girls to the White House for a workshop with dancing icons from Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, Dance Theater of Harlem, and Fatima Robinson.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is premiering "Untitled America: First Movement," a performance that explores the impact that prison has on people. Choreographer Kyle Abraham observed the body language of former prisoners, and translated those movements into dance.
A crowd filled the little steps of City Hall Wednesday morning for the historic marker dedication for legendary hometown dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey. Rogers Mayor Tammy Cockrum, who emceed the event, said she was not only impressed by the town's response with more than 50 residents and almost 150 students in attendance, but also from people who traveled to Rogers from across Central Texas and even as far as Houston.
Robert Battle grew up in one of Miami's poorest neighborhoods wearing metal braces on his legs but dreaming of dance. Thirty years later, he runs the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - the very company that inspired him as a child.
What do dance and social justice have in common? "No Longer Silent," a new piece from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, provides one answer.
Jacqueline Green and Sean Carmon of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater preview their performance at UNC' Memorial Hall this week.
The second program of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Miami run, on Friday at the Adrienne Arsht Center, didn't reach the very high level of Thursday's opening show (the program repeats Sunday afternoon). But it still showcased the range and spectacular gifts of these dancers, and, perhaps, pointed towards what seems to be the company's character and strengths right now.
Throughout February, the White House is hosting events to celebrate African Americans, past and present, who have shaped and strengthened our nation. Check out some of the highlights so far, and stay tuned for more Black History Month events to come.