Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre A+ A+

The Alvin Ailey Amer. Dance Theatre opened its 3rd season under Artistic Director, Robert Battle.  Battle is only the 3rd Director following predecessors, Judith Jamison & founder, Alvin Ailey.   The opening night program commenced without fanfare as the curtain rose on Chroma, an Ailey premier.    Chroma was created by Wayne McGregor, resident choreographer for the Royal Ballet in '06 for its   company.   The other piece on the program was Ailey's mainstay & iconic Revelations choreographed by Mr. Ailey in 1960.  Chroma was a very contemporary dance that showcased the athletic & expressive prowess of Ailey's alluring dancers. Chroma encapsulated every articulation of the bold contemporary score by Talbot & White II of the popular rock group White Stripes.  The minimalist framed set & white  lighting intensified the sharp angles and robust lifts of the dancers donned in simple monochromatic colors.  The purity of the piece shined brightly blazing an exciting & evolving path to the future.  Chroma paired with Revelations paid homage to Ailey's legacy with an expectation for the unexpected.  With Battle at the helm, be assured of future works that will unleash the artistic talents of its dancers elevating  modern dance to new insurmountable heights.