ALVIN AILEY Takes Flight with OSTRICH

The always astonishing Alvin Ailey Amer. Dance Theatre added a premiere, OSTRICH, to their innovative & broad repertoire.  The work was choreographed by Asadata Dafora (1890-1965) in 1932.   Dafora (b. Sierra Leone in W. Africa) was a trailblazer, initiating black dance to the U.S.  Dafora traveled throughout Africa absorbing its indigenous culture & art.  He received his musical training in Europe.  In 1934, Dafore introduced his unique artistic style to American audiences with his dance/opera THE WITCH WOMEN which great fanfare & success.  OSTRICH was created by Dafora in 1932; chronologically Ailey's oldest work.  But, this solo piece is exotic & timeless.  The male dancer, adorned with richly colored plumage, delightfully shapeshifts into a large bird with every fleeting ripple of his arms & jut of his head.  The sensual pulsating drums & soft melodic winds added a fluidity and flourish to the birdlike movements.  OSTRICH is a vital & rousing piece that has laid the foundation for African-American dance.  The piece caws its connection with Ailey's programming.