By Special to the Daily World
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre from Feb. 10-13 with performances celebrating Alvin Ailey’s beloved “Revelations,” led by the renowned Judith Jamison, who is in her final year as artistic director, and joined by Artistic Director Designate Robert Battle.
In two special programs with premieres and new productions just announced, Ailey’s extraordinary artists will move and inspire audiences with the passion, power and artistry that bring audiences around the globe to their feet night after night.
The opening program on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. will raise the curtain on a celebration of five decades of Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations,” an American classic called a must-see for all people. A short film will be shown prior to each performance of “Revelations,” giving audiences the opportunity to learn about the inspiration, meaning and significance of this modern dance masterpiece that is a tribute to Alvin Ailey’s genius and the resolve and determination of the human spirit.
Directed by Judy Kinberg, winner of seven primetime Emmy Awards, it includes historic performance footage and rare interviews with Ailey and Jamison.
“We are thrilled to share this exciting time in Ailey’s history with Atlanta,” said Jamison. “We’re on a journey that began 52 years ago because of Alvin Ailey’s genius. His “Revelations” is a profound manifestation of how dance can celebrate the human spirit and impact our hearts and minds. During this memorable season, as I introduce Robert Battle to audiences, my incredible dancers will be shining their light brightly as we begin another five decades of inspiring
performances.”
Performances on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m., will also include debuts of “The Hunt,” Battle’s explosive tour de force for six men; a new production of “Cry,” Ailey’s birthday gift for his mother and Jamison’s signature solo; and the first full production in more than 30 years of “Three Black Kings,” an important work resulting from Ailey’s legendary collaboration with the great Duke Ellington. Set to Ellington’s last major score, the three-part ballet brings to life Balthazar, the Black king of the Nativity; Solomon, King of Israel; and Martin Luther King Jr., Ellington’s friend whose triumphs are celebrated in the inspiring finale.
Programs on Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. will also feature the Atlanta premiere of “Anointed,” former company member Christopher L. Huggins’ tribute to Ailey’s past, present and future featuring the music of Moby and Sean Clements. The program also will feature “Forgotten Time,” Judith Jamison’s quietly uplifting work set to the haunting, otherworldly sounds of Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares.
“Working with Ms. Jamison and Ailey’s amazing dancers this season, and touring the world with the company, has been truly amazing and humbling,” said Battle. “It is a privilege to share the gift of Ailey with Atlanta and to continue delivering on the promise of keeping the company fresh, exciting and soul-stirring so that Ailey’s pioneering legacy continues to inspire and enlighten.”
Over the last two decades Jamison, who was honored by Michelle Obama at the first White House Dance Series: A Tribute to Judith Jamison, has led Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to new heights around the world and into a permanent home — the nation’s largest building dedicated to dance. Named to TIME’s 2009 list of the world’s 100 most influential people, she is the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, the BET Honors, and the National Medal of Arts. Jamison will pass the mantle of leadership to Battle on July 1, 2011.
To purchase tickets, starting at $20, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or visit www.alvinailey.org or www.foxtheatre.org. Student tickets for Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. are $10 and available by showing a valid student ID at the box office in advance. For the Saturday, Feb. 12 matinee at 2 p.m., which includes a post-performance question-and-answer session with the dancers, tickets are buy one get one at 50 percent off.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater also hosted a ballet technique dance class for members of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the students of the Ron Clark Academy on Tuesday, Feb. 8, and Wednesday, Feb. 9, respectively. Local student dancers had the opportunity to meet with Ailey performers as they taught basic ballet techniques. Teaching the class was Alvin Ailey dancer Clifton Brown.
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