Dance of the ages

For the past 50 years The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has prevailed as a leader of the international dance community.

By ORI J. LENKINSKI
dance of the ages 224.88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
dance of the ages 224.88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
For the past 50 years The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has prevailed as a leader of the international dance community. Its name has become synonymous with important tradition, artistic excellence and unstoppable creativity. Since the company's inception in 1968, AAADT has toured the globe converting normal people to dance enthusiasts. Their next stop is Israel. For five nights only, starting this Tuesday, AAADT will perform a combination of some of the company's most cherished repertoire and new works by revolutionary choreographers of the present day. The company's shows are divided into two programs, each consisting of masterpieces old and new. Giving Israel's audiences a taste of the company's rich past are masterpieces by the company's founder Alvin Ailey as well as dance legends Twyla Tharp and Maurice Bejart. Among those of Ailey's works to be performed is Revelations, perhaps the most cherished piece in American dance history, which is the only work to be presented in both programs. Many of these pieces were choreographed in the 1960s and 1970s, yet they continue to amaze viewers with their beauty and class. The company's incredible history is not all to be proud of. There's also Love Stories, which was choreographed as a collaboration between three incredible artists: AAADT's artistic director Judith Jamison, hip-hop legend Rennie Harris and contemporary bad-boy Robert Battle. The result is a cohesive yet diverse tour de force. Now celebrating their fiftieth anniversary, Ailey continues to reach out to new communities, create new and exciting works and climb to new heights. What began as a small project half a century ago has become one of the greatest dance companies of all time. In no uncertain terms, this is a show not to be missed. At the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, 27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd., Tel Aviv from September 9-13. Tickets cost from NIS 179-349. For more information call (03) 692-7777 or visit Israel-opera.co.il.