About This Show
Witness the mystery, sensuality, and richness of African American culture that is the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AADT) at the State Theatre. The program for the May 3rd performance includes: Night Creature; Treading; Shining Star; and Revelations. May 4th’s program includes: The Winter in Lisbon; Vespers; and Revelations.
Born in Texas in 1931, Founder Alvin Ailey was introduced to dance by performances of the Katherine Dunham Dance Company and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. His formal dance training began with an introduction to Lester Horton’s classes by his friend, Carmen de Lavallade. When Ailey began creating dance, he drew upon his “blood memories” of Texas, the blues, spirituals, and gospel as inspiration, which resulted in the creation of his most popular and critically acclaimed work-Revelations. Today, the company continues Ailey’s mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones to add to the repertoire. In all, more than 170 works by over 65 choreographers have been performed by AADT. In 1989, after the death of Ailey, Judith Jamison was appointed Artistic Director of AADT.