Founded in 1958, the company is recognised by the U.S. Congress as a vital American ‘Cultural Ambassador to the World.’ Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s performances celebrate the human spirit through the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. In almost six decades, Ailey’s artists have performed for over 25 million people in 71 countries on six continents and continue to wow audiences and critics around the world.
Commenting about the Company’s return to the UK, Ailey’s Artistic Director Robert Battle said: ‘I’m proud to continue Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s legacy of extensive international tours with my inaugural visit leading the Company’s extraordinary dancers through the United Kingdom. Presented by Dance Consortium six years after they so successfully last welcomed Ailey, we’ll share a diverse repertory of works including several UK premieres. I’m excited for audiences old and new to experience the uplifting performances that have inspired people the world over, fulfilling Mr. Ailey’s belief that ‘Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.’
The programme will include works by some of today’s most acclaimed choreographers: the UK premiere of the uplifting Exodus by hip hop choreographer Rennie Harris; and the company UK premiere of the dreamlike duet After the Rain Pas de Deux by Christopher Wheeldon.
Two Ailey Classics will be performed during the evening: Night Creature by Alvin Ailey is set to sparkling music by Duke Ellington; and drawing the evening to a close will be Revelations by Alvin Ailey. The beloved crowd-pleaser, the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world, will be performed by the incomparable Ailey dancers. Revelations premiered in 1960 and continues to bring audiences all around the world to their feet.
The Ailey BRADFORD 2016 programme, which is subject to alteration, will be as follows:Exodus / Night Creature / After the Rain Pas de Deux / Revelations UK Premiere
Exodus (2015) Choreography by Rennie Harris / Music: Original compositions by Raphael Xavier, ‘A New Deal’ by Ost & Kjex. Acclaimed hip-hop choreographer Rennie (Lorenzo) Harris created a work that explores the idea of ‘exodus’ – from one’s ignorance and conformity – as a necessary step toward enlightenment. Set to gospel and house music along with spoken word, the work underscores the crucial role of action and movement in effecting change. Exemplifying his view of hip hop as a ‘celebration of life’, Exodus marks Harris’ latest invitation to return to spiritual basics and affirm who we are. His previous contributions to the Ailey repertory include Home (2011) and Love Stories (2004), Judith Jamison’s dynamic collaboration with Harris and Robert Battle.
Company UK premiere
After the Rain Pas de Deux (2005 / Ailey Company Premiere 2014) Choreography by Christopher Wheeldon / Music: Arvo Pärt. An instant hit at New York City Ballet in 2005, Christopher Wheeldon’s dreamlike duet – praised for its sublime simplicity and intricate partnering – is revealed in a fresh light as the Ailey dancers make it their own. Set to music by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, the sensual male?female pas de deux has resonated deeply with audiences and marked the first work by Christopher Wheeldon to enter the Ailey repertory. Ailey Classics
Night Creature (1974) Choreographer: Alvin Ailey / Music: Duke Ellington. Combining modern dance, classical ballet and jazz, Night Creature is a perfect fusion of Alvin Ailey’s buoyant choreography and Duke Ellington’s sparkling music. Duke Ellington first composed the phenomenal Suite For Orchestra in 1955, later adding the second and third movements in 1963. He said that ‘night creatures, unlike stars, do not come OUT at night – they come ON, each thinking that, before the night is out, he or she will be the star.’ This large ensemble work is full of such stars — strutting, leaping and slinking jazz babies and night owls. Night Creature is the definitive Ailey homage to the exuberance of The Duke's jazz, and remains one of Mr. Ailey’s most popular works.
Revelations (1960) Choreography by Alvin Ailey / Music: Traditional Spirituals. More than just a popular dance work, Revelations has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. An American classic acclaimed as a must-see for all, Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece is a tribute to his heritage and genius.
Using African-American spirituals, the work fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive I Been ’Buked to the rousing Wade in the Water and the triumphant finale, Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.
-ENDS-
