Alvin Ailey Amer Dance Theater is Alive and Awe Inspiring as Always

The inimitable, incredible and always inspiring "Alvin Ailey American. Dance Theater" performed in LA at the Music Center this past Thursday through Sunday performing their swan song this afternoon. Founded by Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) and now under the artistic direction of Alicia Graf Mack, a former Ailey Dancer present at the center for all the performances. Ailey's iconic piece, "Revelations" was performed Saturday afternoon by a revitalized company Ms. Mack's direction, brought the an explosive and emotive rendition of the Company's signature work painting it with fresh, poignant and as majestic strokes.  While "Revelations" was the finale on Saturday's program, the earlier works were a welcome mix of new productions: "A Case of You" (orig. 2004) ,  the Company's pemiere of  "Blink of an Eye"  and the  LA Premier of "Difference Between."  Keeping with Ailey's excellent programming of contemporary works and iconic works from their repertoire, today's program was highly entertaining and engrossing.  I particularly enjoyed "Difference Between" ('24 choreography by Matthew Neenan".   The androgynous costuming were capri pants and vests in a metallic blue and neon yellow that looked celestial and futuristic. The dancing was vibrant and ephemeral proffering a ghostly yet powerful aesthetic.  While the staging is barren, the lighting cast an iridescent pall making the piece shimmer and vibrate.  "Blink of an Eye," choreographed by Medhi Walerski also made clever use of lighting to enhance the ubiquitous shifting of forms with a suppleness that was haunting. The dancers both in solos and groups were simultaneously down stage and upstage providing a sense of connection and dissociation that was alluring and magnetic. The audience celebrated "Revelations" at the end.  I've seen enough times I'm an unofficial understudy (hoping one day I'll be called from up my seat onto the stage).  "Revelations" resonated as the most joyous performance I've been privy to attend.  I left the theater floating on air. (And afterall, a girl can dream ,)