The Alvin Ailey Amer Dance Theater Opened at Koch with an Ailey Premier: MASS Absolutely Amazing

The Alvin Ailey Amer Dance Theater opened for its summer run at the Koch Theater last night.  They kicked off with a program that featured Ailey's Artistic Dir, Robert Battle's MASS; a premiere for the company.  This was an astonishing work with innovative & exciting choreography by Mr. Battle.  The music for MASS was performed live on stage by contemporary classical composer John Mackey (b Amer 1973).  The music was remarkable and difficult to pigeon hole.  Its originality & complex musical structure were perfect for the dancers as they portrayed chorale members assembling & disassembling. The exciting, unpredictable choreography gave an effectual feeling of a chorale preparing & performing through their innate footwork, body language & hand gestures.  The fleet miniscule steps & group formations had a spiritual flow.  The robe costumes by Fritz Masten & celestial lighting by Burke Wilmore were vital in providing the work a metaphysical aura.  MASS is an exhilarating new piece for the company that stands on the shoulder of Mr. Ailey's monumental work REVELATIONS.  The Alvin Ailey Amer Dance Theater has the world's most talented & versatile dancers; they are sublime.  They're able to execute the most demanding & versatile choreography with phenomenal power & eloquence.  I would like to see MASS added to their already astounding repertoire.   It would be wonderful to have more live music to accompany one of the world's most outstanding dance companies.