BWW Reviews: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Brings Variety to the Stage

So you've decided you want to see Alvin Ailey this holiday season- now what? There are so many different numbers and performances, so where do you start? Which night do you go? How do you choose? After going to Alvin Ailey two weekends in a row, I was amazed at how much the two nights differed and, after recommending the show to my friends, I decided I should help out by giving a brief description of what to expect on oncoming nights to help you pick the night that's best for you.

This past weekend, it was all about Ailey. The show honored the collaboration between Alvin Ailey and Duke Ellington, and celebrated the "genius and versatility of Ailey," said Robert Battle, the artistic director, as he opened up the show. For anyone who is familiar with Ellington, you can imagine the smooth jazz music and dancing that took place throughout the evening. The show began with Ailey'sNight Creature, in which the dancers performed like smooth alley cats, dancing quickly yet fluidly in a mixture of ballet, jazz, and swing. Pas de Duke was next- a flirty duet that illustrated Ailey's humor, and showcased the amazing collaboration of Ailey and Ellington through the accents and musicality in the choreography that blended perfectly with the music. The River followed, which featured amazing lifts, turns, and flexibility that left the crowd gasping in awe. If you are a fan of Ellington, jazz music, ballet, classic Ailey, and smooth swing, then Ailey/Ellington on December 21 is the show for you.

Similar to the Ailey/Ellington collaboration is the Ailey Classics night. These are the original Ailey pieces, including the famous Revelations. This is an amazing show for the spiritual to get in the holiday spirit and a wonderful way to become introduced to Alvin Ailey. I consider this night to be the introduction course in all things Ailey. Revelations is the piece that every Ailey fan should see (it was the first performance I ever saw from Ailey) and is the one that audiences look forward to most. With classics like Fix Me, Jesus and Sinner Man, this is a night that shouldn't be missed. Future Ailey Classics are on December 24, December 29, and January 4.

Ailey isn't just a show stuck in the 70s, but is a company that continues to grow and expand. There are new numbers being introduced every year. If you are a regular fan of Ailey and are excited to see what's next and something new, then I recommend going on December 22, 26, 28, or January 2nd. Lift, for example, is an outstanding new performance that has garnered a lot of attention, and was my personal favorite from Ailey this year. Another new performance this year is Four Corners, which will show on December 21 and 31, and January 4 and 5, although I have yet to have the chance to attend that performance myself.

Ailey wraps up its season on January 5 (Alvin Ailey's birthday) with a special season finale which promises to be spectacular. If you are unable to make it to any upcoming performances, make time to attend at least this one, although I can guarantee that if you only make it to the finale, you will regret not having gone earlier in the season, because you'll want to go again as soon as the show is over.

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