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Dance Wed Apr 11 2012
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The Annual "Homecoming"
In his inaugural season as Artistic Director, Robert Battle and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater return to Chicago for the annual engagement at the Auditorium Theatre.
"This is the beginning of a new adventure - for the company, for me and for our audiences," Battle said recently.
Like past years, this year's engagement includes a grouping of new, eclectic, and contemporary pieces as well as the show-stopping, American classic, "Revelations." Hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris uses a score of gospel house music for "Home," a work inspired by people living with or affected by aids. Like many of the dance theater's past works, "Home," ties together social issues and histories facing communities of color with stylistic choreography that is refreshing and new.
Additional works include Battle's solo work "Takademe;" "Arden Court," the first Paul Taylor work performed by the company; and the improvised "Minus 16," from choreographer Ohad Naharin.
Taylor's "Arden Court," includes duets, solos, and a men's sextet set to the baroque score of William Boyce. Featuring a score that includes everything from Deam Martin to techno-pop, Naharin's "Minus 16" incorporates Naharin's "Gaga" method that aims to break down previous habits in order to broaden the possibilities of the dancers as interpreters during their performances. The performance is also dedicated to the memory of Naharin's wife, a dancer with the company and assistant for Ailey. The consistent skills of the company promise a show that will please and engage.
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Program Schedule:
April 11, 7:30pm - "Arden Court," "Minus 16" and "Revelations"
April 12, 7:30pm - "Memoria," "Home," "Takademe," and "Revelations"
April 13, 7:30pm - "Arden Court," "Minus 16" and "Revelations"
April 14, 2pm - "Memoria," "Home," "Takademe," and "Revelations"
April 14, 8pm - "Arden Court," "Minus 16" and "Revelations"
April 15, 3pm - "Memoria," "Home," "Takademe," and "Revelations"
Tickets are on sale now and range from $30 - $90. Tickets can be purchased by phone at (800) 982-2787, online, or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office.