The dancers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
The dance world hasn't seen the likes of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 50th Anniversary Season in some time - if ever. The company began the festivities in March by announcing that they had reached their ambitious $50 million endowment goal and had been named the United States Cultural Ambassador to the World by Congress. The touring and events have continued unabated ever since: a global tour of 50+ cities; an August 9 block party at New York's City Center that drew 30,000 people; a special commemorative golden lighting of The Empire State Building on December 3; a gala featuring Honorary Chair Oprah Winfrey and a successful City Center engagement in December/January; not to mention a commemorative Ailey Barbie doll (in case you hadn't heard) and other commemorative merchandise.
In an article for Playbill Magazine, Artistic Director Judith Jamison did not mince words:
"We want to bring dance to everyone," Jamison says. "We hope to move
your spirit. We want to tear out your heart and give it back to you and
leave you walking out of the theater floating fifty feet off the
ground. If we accomplish that, we will have done our job."
That description might leave some local ordinances violated, but we've never heard complaints before...
Read Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Golden Year.
By the way: April 28-May 3, Opera House, be there.
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