Alvin Ailey's Legendary Dance Theater Returns To Chicago

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 14, 2013 4:00PM

Alvin Ailey left a legacy in the dance world, not just for his own inspiring story as an African American choreographer and activist, but with the creation of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. These days the New York theater is made up of a school, two performing companies and community programs all dedicated to “promoting the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition.” Honored with many awards and grants throughout the years, the company is known for it’s extensive touring earning it the nickname “Cultural Ambassador to the World.”

The touring company has arrived in Chicago and their two week residency at the Auditorium Theatre is already underway. This year, the program includes a bevy of works, new and old, including one world premiere from choreographer Kyle Abraham, and several company premieres including “From Before” from Tony Award winning choreographer Garth Fagan (“The Lion King”). Rennie Harris’ “Home” is also reprised. The work was inspired by and dedicated to those living with HIV and AIDS, the disease that took Ailey’s own life in 1989.

This marks Robert Battle’s second season as Alvin Ailey’s Artistic Director, and he brings his own intriguing male duet, “Strange Humors,” to the stage as well. This piece keeps with Alvin Ailey’s reputation for taking on challenging works that display the strength and stamina of it’s dancers. With all of these pieces on the program, each night is different, but each performance closes with Ailey’s own classic piece, Revelations.

Remaining performances continue tonight through Sunday. Tickets range from $32 to $92.