That Friday morning, 2,800 SoCal students had the chance to be part of a special bus-in performance exclusively for them (grades 3 – 12). This provided an awesome inside look into the art of dance, through a very interactive participation in the company’s repertoire. Opportunities like these is what make them “Cultural Ambassadors to the World.”

What an entertaining and exciting night! I’m telling you, this dance company is out of this world! From the dancers, to the awesome music, to the set-design and the audience, everything conspired for a perfect experience. BRAVO to the dancers! They portrayed the art with such control, balance and athleticism that it looked effortless. There was such strength and power in every single movement that I could feel the emotions that they were portraying. Their every moment was synchronized, making every step flow perfectly. All these qualities are what make Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater the renowned and superb dance company they are.

And let’s not forget that they literally “rocked” SoCal! A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook the theater during their performance. All I can say is there was so much energy in the room that it just made the performance an unforgettable one! The show must go on and it did!

PRE-SHOW ACTIVITIES:

• Preview Talk: This talk was a behind the scenes look at all the elements that make this ballet a masterpiece, from the music to the choreography to the set design.

• Visted the “Rocka My Soul” mural painted by Segerstrom Center’s master teaching artist Melanie Stimmel. She was inspired by the children’s book titled Alvin Ailey and painted it live during the Revelations Celebration on Saturday.

• Souvenir Shop: We got the chance to get some awesome Alvin Ailey merchandise like T-shits, tote bags, key chains, etc. I got mine!

The repertoire consisted of two programs which included the below pieces:

• Chroma (2006): 1st time performed in the West Coast! Choreographed by Wayne McGregor, this piece was very futuristic with great partnering technique and awesome use of the minimalistic set-design. It featured music by The White Stripes.

• D-Man in the Waters (Part I) (1989, revised 1998) Choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones, we dive into the water with this piece as the dancers portray the highs and lows in a generation. It is a very energetic.

• Revelations (1960): Choreographed by the great Alvin Ailey. It is actually the 50Th anniversary for his must see American masterpiece. Fill of energy and emotions, Revelations, uses gospel music to explore all the faces that a soul can go through in life. My favorite piece of the night!

• The River (1970): Choreography by Alvin Ailey is a representation of birth, life and rebirth. A more classical piece but still incorporates modern movements.

• LIFT (2013): 1st time performed in the West Coast! Choreography by Aszure Barton, exposes the physical strength and ability of the Company. A piece filled with powerful passion.

• Grace (1999): Choreographed by Ronald K. Brown, it is one of the most popular pieces in the Company’s repertoire, a journey into heaven.

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Alvin Ailey joined by Judith Jamison founded the world renowned company in 1989. The current company director is Robert Battle. Alvin Ailey Dance Theater has performed for 23 million people at 71 different countries. They promote the beauty of African-American culture through the preservation of the American modern dance tradition.

COMPANY MEMBERS:

Hope Boykin, Jeroboam Bozeman, Sean A. Carmon, Elisa Clark, Sarah Daley, Ghrai DeVore, Antonio Douthit-Boyd, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Renaldo Gardner, Vernard J. Gilmore, Jacqueline Green, Daniel Harder, Collin Heyward, Demetia Hopkins, Megan Jakel, Aqura Lacey, Yannick Lebrun, Alicia Graf Mack, Michael Francis McBride, Rachael McLaren, Akua Noni Parker, Belen Pereyra, Briana Reed, Jamar Roberts, Samuel Lee Roberts, Kelly Robotham, Kanji Segawa, Glenn Allen Sims, Linda Celeste Sims, Jermaine Terry, Fana Tesfagiorgis, Marcus Jarrell Willis.

BRAVO to all the
amazing and talented dancers that made that night an unforgettable one! And
thanks #SCFTA for an amazing night of dance!

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A review by Carolina Gonzalez. Carolina is a newbie in LA ready to discover all the hidden jewels this city offers. Carolina loves life, travel, volunteering, ballet, theatre, fashion and desserts – oh yeah! You can follow Carolina on Instagram and Twitter @CaroinLAcity.