Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

I admit to being biased in my praise for The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre.  However, I guarantee you too will become a huge fan when you see them perform @ City Center (through Dec.)  The Ailey company is an American Art form which started in 1958 by Alvin Ailey, in NYC @ the 92ndY.  Mr. Ailey formed a company of African American modern dancers, creating an entirely new & innovative art form that changed American dance forever.  The company has had only 2 artistic directors since the passing of Mr. Ailey in 1989;  Ms. Judith Jamison, an original member of Mr. Ailey's co. & most recently, Mr. Robert Battle, an accomplished dancer & talented choreographer.  The company's repetoire has evolved from Ailey's works reflecting the African American experience during his lifetime  to reflect prescient issues and contemporary dance styles.  Revelations & Home are seminal pieces that established the company for its unique style and remarkable, versatile dancers.  I am particularily fond of the dances, "Petite Mort" and "Grace" which infuse both modern dance & West African idioms.  Both pieces are incorporated from other dance companies.  Mr. Battle is to be lauded for his artistic vision which lead him to enhance the Ailey repetoire from inside & outside the company.  Of course, once the Ailey dancers perform the work, they seem to own it.  New Yorkers, we should be proud to claim The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre as indigineous to America and to have its origin in our city. I urge you to support the Company that is revered national & internationally.  See the dancers while they're here; at home.