Exhilarating and endlessly inspirational, the extraordinary dancers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater have dazzled audiences from New York City to China with their thrilling fusion of power, grace, and unparalleled artistry. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater marks its 50th anniversary by bringing African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the Fine Arts Center. The genius of Alvin Ailey forever changed the perception of American dance; the legacy continues in Judith Jamison’s remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company’s dancers. Beauty, spirit, hope, and passion: this is the power of Ailey.
Wednesday, May 13
Concert Hall 7:30 pm
$50, $40, $20
Wonderful. Tehcnically and emotionally. I have seen Revelations umpteen times and it always is a joy. I kept flashing back to when I saw Judith Jamison in Cry, and then various other company members over the years in pieces like Blues Suite. The spirit is strong. What a legacy. So glad to have the company come to our Fine Arts Center. The audience seemed quite satisfied.
Stellar Performance to say the least. I was at the edge of my seat all evening. Three generations of dancers in my family attended together last night and each of us were inspired, and impressed with the whole evening. The dancers being so highly trained technically are in a leage all to themselves. They merge fluid body movement and highest level energy with impecable technique. This is what sets them apart from all other modern/contemporary companies for me. I also personally enjoy the variety they offer as well as the length of pieces as they are offered. Each piece left you wanting more and before you could exhale the next dancer(s) were center and ready to wow me. I would come again and again if it were to return to campus. I was able to visit my daughter (UMass student taking Modern Level 4) and enjoy this as well.
More of the same would be ok for this particular company. I will watch for the offerings at UMass carefully.
I have seen the Ailey Co. a few times over the years, including when Judith Jamison danced in “Cry,” but I especially appreciated watching the movie about Ailey’s life last night and learning that a dance building bearing his name on was established. “Revelations” was the perfect finale and my all time favorite!
I’m looking forward to reading the line up for next season….
Not my cup of tea. When you removed the 20 minute documentary and the two intermissions, you are left with about an hour of mediocre dancing. As always, the sound system in the Fine Arts Center was a disappointment, but for a change, the sound was not the greatest source of disappointment.
It was a wonderful evening. The dance groups that you’ve brought this year have been top quality. In fact, they have topped the music. I’m one of those who opts for more classical music without hoopla.
Although the dances were only snippets because of the anniversary, they brought back memories of days past. The dancers were young, talented and danced their hearts out. Thanks…
I submitted comments and then received an incomprehensible code. Don’t know if you got them but I don’t feel like writing them again…it was a great evening, in brief…
The Alvin Ailey Dance Company was fabulous. The movement was mesmerizing, unexpected, fun, and captivating. Through its many stories, and inspiring, exuberant dances, from the solos to the women chatting through the use of fans, Revelations was fun, touching, and totally engaging. The short film gave a sense of the history and perspective of the life of the amazing Alvin Ailey and this influential dance company. The showcase of works through the 5 decades was a perfect way to give voice to their 50 years of joyous dance. Thank you for bringing them to the Fine Arts Center!
I was very fortunate to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater when I was a student at UMass (dance major). I also was thrilled when I was able to take a master class from Mr. Ailey himself and it was taught in the gym at NOPE!! After the concert UMass dance students were invited to attend a reception for the Ailey Company. As I walked into the room, in front of me stood Judith Jamison!!(who was a dancer in the company at the time) I was in total awe. After a few minutes several of us introduced ourselves to Ms. Jamison. It was a moment that I will never forget, ever. I think about those moments whenever I am sitting in a performance hall awaiting the start of a performance of the Alvin AIley American Dance Theater.