Kulturkompasset | critics of culture events

ALVIN AILEY – VICTORY FOR REVELATIONS in Paris


Renee Robinson in Alvin Ailey’s Revelations
. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

PARIS: It was Revelations, an old choreography by Alvin Ailey from 1960, which became the biggest hit at the opening night with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Theatre du Chatelet during Les étés de la danse 8th edition, which goes on in Paris right now.

Artistic director from 2011 is Robert Battle, who, him self, for the first time is visiting Paris

This is thank to the wonderful dancers and their expressions
. During Revelations we noticed us specially the wonderful solo “I Wanna Be Ready” danced and formed by the outstanding dancer Antonio Douthilt. That was a real hit
. Deliciouse costumes by Ves Harper, light Nicolas Cernovitch
.

The opening night programme was a mixture of 7 extraits and whole pieces from the wide programme that the company shal present during thir 4 weeks in Paris. Extrait from Arden Court, from 1981, started it all, choreography Paul Taylor, in a high flying action dance, swinging tempo, some times working in an extremely high tempo, it became a good opening. To a beautiful classical music by William Boyce, extraits from his Symphonies no 1. 3. 5
. 7. 8. Opening with a festive Fanfare.

In Alvin Aileys Revelations lays a lot of the personality for the company, and it has become like a signature piece for the company.

AAADT Artistic Director Robert Battle. Associate Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya and Company Members. Photo by Andrew Eccles 2012 Tour

It was a pleasure to enjoy the 22 well shaped and usculouse dancers on stage, an other type of dancers than we are used to see in Europe.

Other high lights was the amazing, good fancy solo Alvin Ailey´s Streams, from 1970, extraits.  Followed by a great solo Takademe, danced by Kirven James Boyd, Briljant, very good musicality and good rhytmic.

The second part of the evening ended with the only new piece in the programme, Home from 2011, chreography Rennie Harris Europa premiere. extraits.  it was choreographed disco dancefor good dancers. In fact it was nothing new. A dance happening in daily clothes, with no clear line, but funny. And of course there was a small idea of geting home, where they were all standing together as a group – home.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater J. Roberts A. Douthit and C. Brown in Alvin Aileys Revelations. Photo by Andrew Eccles.jpg

Tagged as: ,