Alvin Ailey Performs Wheeldon's "After the Rain Pas De Deux" at City Ctr

Christopher Wheeldon (b. Britain 1973) began his career as a dancer with the Royal Ballet in London.  From there, he danced with NYC Ballet and choreographed works for their company, SF Ballet and various other dance companies.  This year, he received the Tony Award for directing "An American in Paris."  His talents appear boundless and I applaud his creative artistry.  "After the Rain…" was originally choreographed for the NYC Ballet Co where it premiered in 2005.  Ailey first performed this  work last year. Ailey dancers Jamar Roberts & Akua Noni Parker gave a transcendent interpretation.  Their dancing had an ephemeral grace that was softly stunning.  Wheeldon choreographed his piece to the classical composition by Arvo Part (b. Estonia 1935.)   Known for their incomparable athletic grace, Ailey demonstrated their mastery for a broad range of techniques; ballet as well as modern.  It's just as well I didn't see NYC Ballet perform the piece before, because now "After the Rain…" is hard to imagine danced any lovelier than it looked tonight.