I’m pleased to announce that the renowned American dance company is returning to Israel for the fourth time, as part of the dance season at the Opera House in Tel Aviv.
The company will showcase two distinct programs: one featuring works created solely by Alvin Ailey, and another blending pieces by various choreographers, including some specifically designed for the company’s dancers, highlighting their exceptional talent. Each program will conclude with the iconic performance of Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece “Revelations”.
Alvin Ailey, a pivotal figure in American and global dance, founded a revolutionary company that provided a platform for dancers of African American descent, as well as those from other ethnic backgrounds. He explored the richness of African-American culture, bringing its beauty to the stage.
Ailey created numerous works that featured music composed by African-American artists, culminating in two iconic pieces. The first, “Cry”, is a solo dedicated to all mothers, performed by Judith Jamison. The second, “Revelations”, is a series of dances inspired by African-American gospel music, becoming a beloved highlight in every performance. This uplifting work concludes with “Rocka My Soul In The Bosom Of Abraham”, inviting the audience to clap along.
WHEN: Six performances starting September 19, 2023.
WHERE: Shlomo Lahat Cheech Opera House, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Featuring four works by Alvin Ailey.
A beautiful tribute to Duke Ellington’s symphonic music.
Ailey’s iconic solo dedicated to all African-American mothers.
Ailey’s allegory of birth, life, and rebirth, featuring music by Duke Ellington. It was Ellington’s first symphonic work designed specifically for dance and was performed by the entire band, with whom he collaborated closely during its creation.
A dance inspired by African-American gospel songs, an iconic piece that expresses both profound pain and the divine elevation of the soul.
A world premiere by choreographer and dancer Jamar Roberts. Intimate moments in a couple’s life are manifested through love and passion against a backdrop of Duke Ellington’s music and four jazz standards rearranged by composer Rafiq Bhatia.
A work created by the company’s artistic director, Robert Battle, featuring a sensual duet set to music by French composer Gustave Charpentier.
Are You in Your Feelings?
A new piece by choreographer Kyle Abraham, celebrating black culture, music, and the youthful spirit within us. Set to soul, hip-hop, and R&B, the work spans over 30 minutes and connects music, personal relationships, and cherished memories.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – Milestones
The company made its debut in New York in 1958, and two years later, “Revelations” was created. In 1962, they embarked on their first international tour.
In 1963, they established their first collaboration with composer and pianist Duke Ellington. That same year, a young dancer named Judith Jamison witnessed the company for the first time in her hometown, Philadelphia. Two years later, she joined the team and became one of its most recognizable dancers during her impressive 15-year tenure. In 1966, Ailey choreographed “Metropolitan Opera”, featuring African-American singer Leontyne Price. In 1968, they performed at the White House at the invitation of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and in 1970 they began a historic tour of the Soviet Union, leading to numerous awards for Ailey in the U.S. In 1977, they graced the inauguration of Jimmy Carter, followed by relocating to their own venue in New York City in 1980, with their school gaining recognition two years later. In 1984, Jamison created her first work for the company, which toured China in 1985. In 1988, Ailey received the Kennedy Cultural Center award in Washington, D.C.
Alvin Ailey passed away at the age of 58 from complications related to AIDS in 1989. After decades of remarkable creativity, including work with the Bat Dor troupe in Israel, the company transitioned from its founder’s leadership, with Judith Jamison taking on the role of artistic director.
Following his death, new works were incorporated into the company’s repertoire. They performed at President Clinton’s inaugural ball, at the opening ceremony of the Atlanta Olympics, and made their first performance in South Africa after the boycott ended. In 1999, the company received an Emmy Award for a special program honoring Ailey’s legacy. In 2002, a new center for the company and its school was inaugurated in Manhattan, attended by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In 2004, Ailey was commemorated with a postage stamp by the United States Post Office.
In 2009, shortly after moving into the White House, the Obamas attended a performance by the company at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
In 2012, choreographer Robert Battle became the artistic director of the company, now joined by dancer Matthew Rushing.
Sixty-five years after its inception, the company continues to perform throughout the United States and around the world.
Alongside the main company, there are other initiatives, including the Alvin 2 youth company, dance education centers, and numerous activities held under the organization’s auspices, all contributing to the growth of the center in New York.
The spirit of Alvin Ailey continues to thrive long after his passing.
Alvin Ailey – American Dance Theatre
Featuring two different programs
Opening the dance season at the Shlomo Lahat Cheech Opera House, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 20:00 – Plan B (A Sold-Out Performance)
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 20:00 – Plan A
Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 20:00 – Plan B
Friday, September 22, 2023 at 13:00 – Plan B and 21:00 – Plan A
Saturday, September 23 at 12:00 – Plan A
Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 18:00 – Plan B
Ticket prices: 195 – 395 NIS
Production in Israel: Shmuel Zemach Ltd. – Yoav Zemachuri Ofer
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