[NEohioPAL] Berko review: ALVIN AILEY DANCE THEATER and dance previews

[Roy Berko]

ALVIN AILEY, DANCE AT ITS FINEST!; upcoming events



Roy Berko

(Member, Dance Critics Association)



How many superlatives are there in the English language that can be used to
describe Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s May 4 performance at the
State Theatre?  I could start with *superlative*, then transition into *
exciting*, *mesmerizing*, *compelling*, *creative*, and then add *powerful*and
*dynamic*.  I could go on from there, but the point has been made.



The Alvin Ailey company brought the crowd to its feet several times during
the production and had them standing, clapping, and dancing in the rows and
aisles at the end.  This was not an automatic Cleveland standing “O,” this
was a well deserved tribute to one outstanding evening of dance!



Since the numbers aren’t necessarily going to be repeated in the other two
presentations this weekend, going into detail about each segment isn’t
necessary.  It’s enough to make some general comments.



In 1958 Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers
came onto the scene and captivated the dance world.  They became legends
who have performed before an estimated 23 million people in 71 countries.



When Ailey died in 1989, Judith Jamison, Ailey’s personal choice for the
position, took over as Artistic Director.  The question of whether the
company would retain its high quality was raised.  The query was answered
when, in 2008, the company was recognized by a  U.S. Congressional
resolution for their being “a vital American cultural ambassador to the
world which celebrates the African-American cultural experience.”



When Robert Battle become Artistic Director on July 1, 2011, again one of
the questions was whether he could duplicate the fabled performances.  Fear
not dance aficionados.  If the State Theatre presentation is any
indication, the company is not only in good hands with Battle, but it seems
to have gained a new presence.



The dancers are well-trained, skilled in dance techniques.  There are no
leads, no feature dancers, they are a melded unit.  My notes reveal such
words as *powerful*, *gymnastic*, *motionless freezes*, *well supported
lifts*, *torrid pace*, *fine interactions*, *lighting enhanced movements* *and
sounds*, *flowing*, *total abandonment*, *strong hip thrusts*, *total body
control*, *gorgeous visualizations*, *beautiful integration of music and
movements*, *well selected musical pieces*.



Though the entire evening was exciting, the best was saved for last,
Ailey’s 1960 signature piece, REVELATIONS.  Danced to traditional gospel
music, highlighted by *Rocka my Soul*, the ten-segment composition bursts
off the stage, leaving the audience standing, clapping and screaming.  It’s
an experience not to be missed.  That number will close all three local
performances.



*Capsule judgement: It can only be hoped that it isn’t too long before the
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the area.  This is a world
class dance company that deserves to be seen over and over!  Hallelujah!*

* *

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER performs at the State Theatre through
May 6 in the State Theatre.  For tickets call 216-241-6000.



*DANCING WHEELS*



The Dancing Wheels Company will present DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!, an evening
of world premieres by Michael Uthoff, Mark Tomasic, Heidi Latsky and
Terrence Greene at the Allen Theatre on May 19.  For tickets call 216.432.0306
or go to http://dancingwheels.org



*DANCE CLEVELAND*



DANCECLEVELAND, the area’s major dance importer announced its 2012-2013
season.  It includes *FRAULEIN MARIA* from DOUG ELKINS AND FRIENDS (August
10 and 11 @ The Hanna Theatre); TREY McINTYRE PROJECT (October 6 @ E. J.
Thomas Hall, Akron); SPELLBOUND DANCE COMPANY from Italy (November 10 @ The
Ohio Theatre); Alonzo King LINES BALLET (January 26 & 27 @ The Ohio
Theatre); MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP (March 2 @ The Palace Theatre); LUCKY
PLUSH (May 2, 3 & 4 @ The Allen Theatre).  For tickets go to
Dancecleveland.org
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