My love of West African dance far exceeds my capabilities as a practitioner. No matter. Fifteen years had passed since my last class, and I was ready for another try. So one recent afternoon I wrapped a piece of African cloth around my waist and entered a packed studio at the Alvin Ailey extension center in Manhattan.
Dancer Sarah Daley is living her dream as a new member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the 54-year-old modern dance company world-famous for celebrating African-American culture. Dancing with the Alvin Ailey company is something that Daley - a former resident of South Elgin and Bartlett, among other places - planned for at an early age.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Detroit Opera House this weekend to perform new, cutting-edge pieces such as hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris' "Home" and the perennial favorite "Revelations."
Iconic dancer/choreographer Judith Jamison, a Philadelphia native and the former artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of four renowned leaders and achievers being honored for their lifetime accomplishments with the 33rd annual Common Wealth Awards of Distinguished Service.
Life can be a testament to one's mettle. How one faces personal setbacks and challenges is always an individual decision and evidence of their will to authenticate their true nature. Ailey II dancer Paige Fraser has met every challenge with the attitude of a champion.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, touring for the first time under new artistic director Robert Battle, delivered a heady, reverberating concoction of pieces - including the company premiere of Paul Taylor's Baroque pure-dance classic "Arden Court" (1981) and the California premiere of hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris' "Home" (2011).
Even standing, Sean Carmon looks graceful - feet perfectly turned out and hands planted in front of his body. His obvious talent has taken him from the studios of the Bonnie Cokinos School of Dance and the stage at the Julie Rogers Theatre all the way to New York City and Broadway.
Once the Smith Center opens on March 10, Las Vegas will be exposed to a new world of touring companies of Broadway shows, as well as dance, comedy, and music that culture lovers used to have to venture out of town to see. Among the first marquee acts to perform here: the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, on March 20 and 21, as part of the troupe's four month, cross-country tour.
A cultural treasure returns to Orange County next week, marking a new period in its renowned history. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in 1958; it was a company for all types of dancers – black, white, Hispanic, Asian.
Ailey II dancers, Paige Fraser and Yusaku Komori perform an excerpt of "Echoes" on Good Day ahead of their Bass Hall performance.