Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Returns to Chicago with Revived Classic and New Premieres
The Backstory
Audiences have nostalgic memories of “Revelations,” the most popular, most performed ballet of Alvin Ailey’s work.
The company is debuting new material, too. Matthew Rushing, the artistic director, spent 30 years with the company. He said the performance is dear to him.
“Oh my gosh, it’s in my DNA. This is something that I’ve dedicated my life to, and I’m so proud of the company,” Rushing said.
Resurrecting a Classic
Rushing discovered the little-known second half of “Revelations” and resurrected the music to create a new, “Sacred Songs,” premiering in Chicago.
“In the original version of ‘Revelations’ that was premiered in 1960, the piece was over an hour long, but it was time for Mr. Ailey to take the piece on tour. So he condensed it, took out half the songs, and what I did, I found the songs, resurrected them, and presented them in a more contemporary fashion, and made the ballet ‘Sacred Songs,’” Rushing said.
New Premieres
It debuts this weekend, along with two other world premieres, “Many Angels” by Chicago native Lar Lubovitch, and “Finding Free” by a former member of the company, Hope Boykin.
What They’re Saying
Rushing said the Auditorium Theatre is special.
“It feels like home. Our mission as we tour the world is to literally bring performances that celebrate the human spirit through the lens of the African American cultural experience as well as modern dance tradition. These dance artists to each performance bring not only passion, they bring human connection,” Rushing said.
Conclusion
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s return to the Auditorium Theatre is a highly anticipated event, with a mix of nostalgic classics and new premieres. The company’s commitment to celebrating the human spirit through dance is evident in their performances, and audiences are in for a treat.
FAQs
* When: This weekend
* Where: Auditorium Theatre
* What: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s “Revelations,” “Sacred Songs,” “Many Angels,” and “Finding Free”
* Time: [Insert time]
* Tickets: [Insert ticket information]
