Ailey presents `Revelation,' a Chicago premiere and two revivals

Many years ago, Alvin Ailey made his debut at the Harper Theatre in a dance theatre series organized by Bruce Sagan's wife. The company was excellent and since that first debut have performed often in Chicago. This year The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre returns to the Auditorium Theatre with Artistic Director Judith Jamison for a premiere beginning Wednesday, April 1, two revivals and other works.

It was always an inspiration witnessing Alvin Ailey standing on the right side of the Auditorium watching members of his company perform. After the company organized, his technique and innovative style earned him international critical acclaim. For a while the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre has series problems on a tour of Europe, however, the company managed to regroup and became one of America's greatest modern dance company.

When Ailey died, Judith Jamison, his greatest soloist was appointed as the Artistic Director. She has managed to continue the fantastic style of Ailey while introducing other works she has created and featuring the imagination of new choreographers.

"Prayers from the Edge," choreographed by Lynne Taylor-Corbett are profound images she witnessed as she toured with the company in Africa and the Middle East, immediately following the Six Day War. The dance provided the inspiration for her newest creation set to the music of Peter Gabriel's "Passion".

On this occasion, revivals include "Treading" created by Elisa Monte was declared by the New York Times in 1982 when it premiered, as giving lovers of fine dancing much to marvel at.. "The Winter in Lisbon," a work of Billy Wilson, set to the music of Dizzy Gillespie is also featured on the opening night. It is the culmination of Wilson's decades of working with Ailey and was completed in 1992. "The Winter in Lisbon" pays tribute to Dizzy, honoring him for his fabulous bebop style.

Other works accompanying "The Winter in Lisbon" and "Prayers from the Edge" are revived dances choreographed by Ailey from such ballets as "Night Creature," "Memoria," "Hases," "Opus McShann," "A Song for You,' "For Bird' - With Love," "Hidden Rites," "Cry" and Ailey's 20th Century masterpiece, "Revelations," based on the religious heritage of his youth.

A native of Texas, Ailey's works have been inspired by the spirituality he learned in his youth, the blues he encountered in secular life and the lifestyle that embraced African American progress. It was in 1958 that he established the company with talented young dancers. The company earned a reputation as the acclaimed international ambassadors of American culture.

Article copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.