AILEY II Returning Favorites ENCORE

Last night AILEY II presented Returning Favorites:  STREAMS (1970) by Ailey's Founder, Alvin Ailey and WE ('10), by Robert Battle, Ailey's Artistic Dir.  Also on the program were 2 pieces from ('12) RUSTY by Benoit-Swan Pouffer and VIRTUES by Amy Garner.  STREAM's was Alvin AIley's 1st full-length dance was not story driven. The abstract style is an ingenious exploration of movement and spatial formations whose contemporary aesthetic is remains current 4 decades later.  The fluidity & spatial connections of the dancers was exquisite.  Alvin Ailey's works are benchmarks from which today's choreographers have developed.  The romantic & graceful pas de deus WE by Robert Battle was choreographed in colloboration with music by jazz artist Sean Jones.  This piece resonates love, unity and serenity.  The porta bras connecting the dancers render tenderness & strength.  The matching lavender costumes, jazzy score & soft lighting establish a dream like quality to this lovely piece.  RUSTY is by French choreographer Pouffer, a former dancer for the Ailey Co.  RUSTY is an energetic & whimsical look at dancers; their rehearsals & auditions.  It is obvious how passionate the dancers are with their art.  The pairings establish a friendly camaraderie and respect as well as contentious competition for coveted roles.  RUSTY is a fresh, gleaming work highlighting the dancers' skills & versatalies. VIRTURES by Amy Garner, a choreographer for both ballet & B'wy, is dazzling with creativity, velocity & staging.  I have the utmost praise for her work and all the dancers in Ailey II.  I am returning to see these favorites that will continue to please.