Led by Robert Battle, Artistic Director, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will return to the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, March 4 & 5 for three performances that will showcase the brilliant artistry and passionate spirit of Ailey’s extraordinary dancers in a series of new works and new productions that extend the vital legacy of Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) in exciting new directions.
Two different programs will be presented, and this collection of powerful pieces pay tribute to the history and passion and vision of Ailey’s genius.
Program A includes:
TOCCATA (1964) – New Production (2015). Choreographed by Talley Beatty and Restaged by Masazumi Chaya, Toccata is a vibrant episode from 1960’s Come and Get the Beauty of it Hot. The ballet is set in the streets of New York and incorporates nuances of classic and jazz set to music by Grammy Award-Winning Argentine composer, Lalo Schiffrin featuring the music of Dizzy Gillespie and his orchestra.
LOVE SONGS (1972) – New Production (2015). Choreographed by Alvin Ailey and Restaged by Masazumi Chaya, Love Songs is a three-part technical and dramatic tour-de-force originally created for the legendary Dudley Williams. Last performed by the Company in 2003, this piece offers a message of hope and commitment as it traces the dancer’s journey through love, anguish and determination to overcome adversity. The suite features the musical brilliance of Donny Hathaway and Nina Simone giving musical license to the voyage.
EXODUS (2015) – Canadian Premiere. Choreographed by Rennie Harris, Exodus explores the idea of one’s ignorance and conformity as a necessary step towards enlightenment. Set to gospel and house music along with spoken word, the work underscores the crucial role of action and movement in effecting change. Rennie Harris exemplifies his view of hip hop as a “celebration of life” but takes the opportunity to return to spiritual basics to affirm who we are.
OPEN DOOR (2015) – Canadian Premiere. Choreographed by Ronald K. Brown. This Cuban inspired piece is a work for 10 dancers and set to the music of Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra including songs from their release, Cuba: The Conversation Continues. Brown’s travels to Cuba inspired much of the movent from the salsa partnerings to the references of Elegba. The title hints at the power of dance and music as vehicles for culture and compassion. Open Door marks the sixth Ailey premiere by Brown who has been celebrated since his first piece, Grace in 1999.
Program B includes:
FOUR CORNERS (2015) – Canadian Premiere. Choreographed by Ronald K. Brown. Set to the music of Carl Hancock Rux, along with various artists, Four Corners brings to life the vision of four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds. Four Corners trails eleven dancers as they rise to seek a life of peace on the “mountaintop” – a powerful and hope-filled journey of tribulation, devotion and triumph. This is Brown’s first collaboration with the critically-acclaimed Carl Hancock Rux, but his fifth work set on Ailey’s extraordinary dancers.
AWAKENING (2015) – Canadian Premiere. Choreographed by Robert Battle with music by John Mackey. Awakening is a work featuring Robert Battle’s signature taut, ritualistic choreographic style and a score by American composer, John Mackey. 12 Ailey dancers lead the audience on a cathartic journey in this powerful dance of dissonance and harmony, chaos and resolution. Awakening is the first Canadian premiere created by Robert Battle since he became the Artistic Director, and his ninth work to enter the Ailey repertory.
A CASE OF YOU (2004) – New Production (2015). Choreographed by Judith Jamison. Music by Joni Mitchell and performed by Diana Krall. A Case of You is an emotional and sensual duet by Judith Jamison, performed to Diana Krall’s version of Joni Mitchell’s song by the same title. The duet was originally created in 2004, and premiered as part of Ms. Jamison’s larger work, Reminiscin’, inspired by Edward Hoppers’ famous painting Nighthawks and great female jazz artists.
REVELATIONS (1960) – Choreographed by Alvin Ailey. This beloved masterpiece is an American classic acclaimed as a must-see for all, and recognized by a U.S. Senate resolution. Alvin Ailey said that one of America’s richest treasures was the cultural heritage of the African-American – “sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful.” This enduring classic is a tribute to that heritage and to Ailey’s genius. Using African-American religious music – spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues – this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts presents
THE ALVIN AILEY® AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
Robert Battle Artistic Director
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East, Toronto
Friday March 4th at 8pm and Saturday, March 5th at 2pm and 8pm
Program A – March 4 eve, March 5 eve: Toccata, Love Songs, Exodus and Open Door
Program B – March 5 matinee: Four Corners, Awakening, A Case of You, Revelations
Tickets range from $69.00 – $99.00 and can be purchased in person at the Sony Centre box office, over the phone at 1-855-872-SONY (7669) or online at www.sonycentre.ca
Discounts are available for groups of eight or more. Call THE Group Tix Company 647-438-5559 or Toll Free 1-866-447-7849 http://www.thegrouptixcompany.com/