The program is presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Dance Council and BNY Mellon
For the first time since 2005, America’s beloved “cultural ambassador to the world” and one of the most popular dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will return to the Benedum Center during a coast-to-coast 22-city North American Tour. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s dancers’ passionate spirit and extraordinary technique will be showcased in exciting new works from esteemed choreographers, with a grand finale of Alvin Ailey’s must-see American masterpiece Revelations.
Ailey’s Pittsburgh performance will showcase the world premieres of Are You in Your Feelings?, by esteemed choreographer Kyle Abraham, and In a Sentimental Mood, by former Ailey dancer and Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts. Scored to a “mixtape” of soul, hip-hop, and R&B featuring beloved musical artists such as Jhene Aiko, Erykah Badu, Drake, Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, Maxwell, Jazmine Sullivan, and Summer Walker, Abraham’s Are You in Your Feelings? is a vibrant celebration of Black culture, Black music, and the youthful spirit that perseveres in us all. During Roberts’ In a Sentimental Mood, an intimate scene from the domestic life of a couple becomes an exploration of love and desire. Alvin Ailey‘s signature masterpiece Revelations provides the uplifting finale. More than just a popular dance work, Revelations is a tribute to Alvin Ailey’s heritage, using African American spirituals to explore the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.
This program spotlights several artists from Pittsburgh, including choreographer and MacArthur genius Kyle Abraham; distinguished dancer James Gilmer, a standout performer who has received rave reviews since joining the Company in 2019; and Jau’mair Garland, who is in his first season with Ailey.
A visionary choreographer who used his artistry to change American dance and culture, Alvin Ailey is the focus of the acclaimed new documentary film AILEY, streaming on Hulu and PBS Passport, which explores the man, his work, and its powerful legacy which continues today in the inspiring performances of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (also available to rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and more).
The Pittsburgh Dance Council has been honored to showcase Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during nine of its 52 presenting seasons, including the current season and the very first season, 1969-1970.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater repertoire for May 9, 2023, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh:
• Are You in Your Feelings? (2022, World Premiere)– Acclaimed choreographer Kyle Abraham’s newest work celebrates Black culture, Black music, and the youthful spirit that perseveres in us all. Scored to a “mixtape” of soul, hip-hop, and R&B, it explores the connections among music, communication, and personal memory. “A lot of these songs are the songs that I play when I’m at my lowest and at my highest. I wanted to find a way to thank those artists for their music and thank our culture for their contributions to this world in which we live.” -Kyle Abraham, choreographer of Are You in Your Feelings?
• In a Sentimental Mood (2022, World Premiere), choreography by Jamar Roberts – An intimate scene from the domestic life of a couple becomes an exploration of love and desire in the world premiere by Jamar Roberts. Using an original composition by Duke Ellington and four jazz standards are given an avant-garde twist by composer Rafiq Bhatia, Roberts bridges the past and present, making these musical classics freshly relevant and timely.
• Revelations (1960) An American classic acclaimed as a must-see for all, Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece is a tribute to his heritage and genius. Choreographed when he was only 29 years old, Revelations is an intimate reflection that explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition, from the deepest of grief to the holiest joy. Using African-American religious spirituals, this suite is a classic tribute to the resolve and determination of a people. Revelations has been seen by more people around the world than any other work of modern dance.
For tickets and information, visit Pittsburgh Cultural Trust official ticket sources TrustArts.org, call 412-456-6666, or in person at the Benedum Center box office (during renovations at the Theater Square box office).
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Arts Education division will host ArtsMASTERS educational outreach programs in collaboration with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. For more information, visit: TrustArts.org/Education.
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