PERFORMANCE GUIDE 2012

2 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide

About Citi Performing Arts CenterCiti Performing Arts Center, which includes the Wang, Colonial, and

Shubert Theatres, is one of the nation’s foremost nonprofit performing

arts institutions. As New England’s largest cultural venue,

it honors all aspects of the performing arts offering theatre, opera,

classical and popular music, international ballet, contemporary dance,

one-night engagements, and Broadway musicals. As a 501(c)(3)

nonprofit organization located in Boston’s historical Theater District,

Citi Performing Arts Center offers a diverse mix of educational

workshops, lectures, and community activities through its education

department; collaborates with artists and local performing arts orga-

nizations, and acts as a champion for the arts in the Greater Boston

community by aggressively helping to make the arts an integral part

of the community’s collective, daily experience. For further information,

please go to citicenter.org.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide 3

WelcomeCiti Performing Arts Center’s Education Department is proud to present this

Performance Guide for our school and family audiences.

The Education Department was founded in 1988 and the Walter Suskind Memo-

rial Education Fund was established the following year. The department aims to

reach people of all backgrounds by providing free events that are broad-based

and culturally diverse. Citi Performing Arts Center believes it is a right, not

a privilege, for every youth to have a creative life, to experience art, and to express

themselves creatively regardless of skill level and socioeconomic status. Its main

program goals are Youth Development, Community Learning, and Access.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the most prestigious and

celebrated companies in the world. In these pages you will find interesting facts

about the company, its founder and some of the amazing pieces you will see

during the performance at Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre. We’ve also

included some fun exercises that will help you get the most out of your experi-

ence at the performance. Dance is a universal language that can bring stories to

life and bridge cultural divides. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been

spreading its message of love, unity and hope across the globe for over 50 years.

We are thrilled that you are sharing in this experience and look forward to seeing

you at the show!

4 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide

When Alvin Ailey started his company in 1958, he never dreamed that it would grow

from performing to a small audience at the 92nd Street YMCA in New York City to

performing for over 20 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries around

the globe. His dream was to create a company that would showcase the history of the

African American experience and provide his dancers with an opportunity to perform.

At that time, segregation was still legal in the U.S. and opportunities for African

American dancers to perform with major companies were limited. Only two other

African American choreographers (key word) had created dance companies in the

United States before Mr. Ailey: Katherine Dunham and Perl Premus. The Alvin Ailey

American Dance Theater (also known as the ‘Ailey Company’) is the only one that

still exists today.

I believe that Dance came from the people and it should always be delivered back to the people. - Alvin Ailey

Did you know?

In 1970 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater went on a six-week

tour of the country now known as Russia. It was the first time that

an American dance company performed there since the 1920s.

After their sold-out opening night performance, the company was

kept onstage for 20 minutes of curtain calls (key word).

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide 5

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a repertory company (keyword). It is

known for its modern choreography, a style of dance that began in Europe and

America in the early 1900s as an alternative to the more structured style of classical

ballet. Modern technique is a more relaxed, free style of dance in which choreogra-

phers use emotions and moods to design their own steps. Mr. Ailey’s style of modern

dance combined African, jazz, street dancing and ballet. His early work was also

heavily influenced by his church experiences growing up in the South. Today the

company performs over 200 works by over 80 choreographers.

Try this!

Mr. Ailey’s mission was to give dance back to the people. He accomplished this

by using everyday experiences such as going to church or going to a blues club

to create dances. The next time you are on a train or bus take a moment to

observe the passengers as they enter, exit, and move about the cars. Try to

imagine that you are watching a dance performance. Can you notice any

movements that the passengers repeat such as reaching for a hanging strap

or crossing their legs when they sit? Imagine them moving to music. If you were

going to use the movements to choreograph a piece, what would you call it?

6 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide

Let’s Dance!This weekend’s performance features repertory (key word) that showcases

the Company’s ability to blend elements from diverse cultures and dance styles.

Prepare to be blown away!

HomeCreated by world renowned hip-hop choreographer, Rennie Harris, Home was

inspired by stories of people living with or affected by HIV. It premiered on World AIDS

Day (December 1,2011) in New York City which, coincidentally, also marked the 22nd

anniversary of Mr. Ailey’s death. Mr. Harris’ piece uses a mixture of gospel and house

music to set the tone for this electrifying and moving work. He chose to use street

clothes as costumes to help audiences connect with the stories unfolding on the

stage. He also mixes popular hip-hop and club moves such as ‘the jerk’, ‘the dougie’

and ‘whacking’ with traditional African and liturgical (key word) steps to tell this story

about hope, faith and redemption. When you watch this piece see if you notice any

similarities between the steps you see on stage and some of the dances you might

do at a party.

Try this!

Dancers take many different paths to get to

the stage. Some of today’s greatest dancers

have graduated from college with degrees in

business, chemistry and the social sciences.

Others have joined major dance companies

right after high school. It is also very common

for dancers to dance with a number of differ-

ent companies over the course of their career.

Dancers are encouraged to bring their own

personal experiences into their performances.

Before you come to see the Ailey Company

visit their website at www.alvinailey.org and

read the dancers’ biographies. Do YOU think

their personal experiences influences their

dancing? If so, how?

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide 7

Takademe Takademe is a quirky and sometimes humorous piece set to Indian Kathak dance

rhythms. It was created by Robert Battle, who became the company’s third Artistic

Director in 2011. The piece is one of his first creations. He choreographed it in the tiny

living room of his old apartment in Queens, NY. This critically acclaimed performance

features two Boston natives: Kirvin Boyd and Belen Estrada – two dancers who took

very different paths to the Ailey Company. Mr. Boyd and Ms. Estrada are graduates

of the Boston Arts Academy. They both performed with local companies before

moving to New York. Mr. Boyd, who has been with the Ailey Company since 2004,

was a dancer with Boston Youth Moves. Before joining the Ailey Company, he

performed with Battleworks Dance Company, The Parsons Dance Company and Ailey

II. Ms. Estrada performed with NIA Dance Troupe. She joined the Ailey Company in

2011 after dancing with Camille A. Brown Dancers and working several part-time jobs

while pursuing her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Both dancers bring their

own unique style and flavor to this heart-stopping piece that will have you sitting at

the edge of your seats!

Did you know?

In 2004 the U.S. Postal Service issued a first class postage stamp

to honor Mr. Ailey. The stamp was part of the American Choreog-

raphers series which honored four 20th century choreographers

who were highly influential in the dance world. George Balanchine,

Agnes DeMille and Martha Graham were also honored.

Did you know?

On February 1, 2010, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden

hosted a reception at their home in honor of Judith Jamison and

the Ailey Company. Ms. Jamison was chosen by Mr. Ailey to

become Artistic Director of the Ailey Company after he passed

away in 1989. She stayed in the position until she retired in 2011.

Guests included members of the Cabinet and Congress, as well

as students from DC’s Duke Ellington School for the Arts.

Try this!

Dancers take many different paths to get to

the stage. Some of today’s greatest dancers

have graduated from college with degrees in

business, chemistry and the social sciences.

Others have joined major dance companies

right after high school. It is also very common

for dancers to dance with a number of differ-

ent companies over the course of their career.

Dancers are encouraged to bring their own

personal experiences into their performances.

Before you come to see the Ailey Company

visit their website at www.alvinailey.org and

read the dancers’ biographies. Do YOU think

their personal experiences influences their

dancing? If so, how?

Minus 16Minus 16 was choreographed by Ohad Naharini, an Israeli-born dancer who is the

director of the Batsheva Dance Company. Mr. Naharini has a very personal connec-

tion to the Ailey Company. His late wife, Mari Ajiwara, was a member of the company

for several years in the 1970s and even worked as Mr. Ailey’s assistant. Mr. Naharini

dedicated the Ailey performance of this work to her memory. Minus 16 features a new

dance technique created by Mr. Naharini called gaga. Contrary to popular belief, the

technique was not named after pop sensation, Lady Gaga. This technique requires the

dancers to use their imagination, improvisation (key word) and cues from each other

to help bring the choreography to life. Mr. Naharini uses a wide range of music to tell

his story including mambo, techno, and traditionally Israeli music. He also incorporates

some spoken word performed by the dancers. Like Mr. Ailey, Mr. Naharini believes in

removing barriers between the audience and the dancers. This piece includes a section

where audience members are invited to join the dancers on stage. Bring your dancing

shoes. YOU might just end up on stage!

8 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide

Did you know?

The Inbal Dance Theater was the first professional dance company in

Mr. Naharini’s native country of Israel. The company was founded in 1949 by

Sara Levi-Tanai. The majority of their dances address religious topics and

movement that reflect traditions found in oriental Jewish communities.

Try this!

Improvisation is a process where a dancer uses their imagination to create

movement on the spot. It can be done in a solo or in a group. Choreogra-

phers can also give dancers a series of words or images to interpret with their

bodies. The next time you are listening to your favorite music in your home,

imagine that you are one of the Ailey dancers. Try to make up your own

movement representing these three words: anger, sadness and joy. Use your

whole body in your dance including your hands and face. After a few minutes

repeat the exercise using different music. For extra fun try doing this exercise

with a group of friends and have each person try to guess the emotions the

group is trying to portray.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide 9

The HuntRobert Battle created The Hunt to examine the relationship between the sports world

of today and rituals of the gladiators. Gladiators were armed fighters who entertained

audiences in Roman Empire by fighting each other, wild animals, and criminals. The

fights took place in massive arenas similar to Boston’s TD Garden. Mr. Battle was

inspired to create this dance by his own experience as a martial artist. In this piece he

showcases 6 male dancers who illustrate the emotions of the hunters and their prey.

The piece is very different from the other works in the company’s repertory. Mr. Battle

wanted to create a piece that celebrated the masculine and powerful side of the Ailey

Company’s male dancers. Do you think he was successful?

Arden CourtArden Court was created by Paul Taylor. He is considered to be one of the great-

est American choreographers of the 20th Century. This is the first work of his that has

ever been performed by the Ailey Company. Mr. Taylor chose to use a classical score

(keyword) by composer William Boyce which is unlike any other music you will hear

during the entire program. The dance includes a number of fast-paced duets, solos

and sextets (keyword). Unlike the other pieces that the Ailey Company will perform

at Citi Center, this piece combines modern dance with techniques you would see in

classical ballet. You will notice that the dancers do not use their hips, backs and torsos

as they do in some of the other pieces in the program. Instead you will notice that they

are more upright and that they use their arms and legs to create straight lines, right

angles, and other distinctive shapes that are often seen in classical ballet.

Did you know?

The largest gladiator competition

took place in 107 A.D. (approxi-

mately 18,900 years ago) in the

Roman city of Dacia. It was ordered

by the famous war hero Emperor

Marcus Ulpius Trajanus and

included 5,000 pairs of Gladiators.

Did you know?

Alvin Ailey received The Kennedy

Center Honor for lifetime contribu-

tion to American culture through

the performing arts in 1988. This

is our nation’s highest official

distinction for creative artists.

RevelationsRevelations was the first full-length work ever created by Alvin Ailey. It was

performed for the first time on January 31, 1960 at the 92nd Street YMCA in New

York City. Since then it has been performed on stages all over the world, was part of

Opening Ceremonies of the 1968 Olympics, and has been presented on four separate

occasions at the White House, including at the inaugurations of former presidents

Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.

Revelations tells the story of African-American faith and tenacity from slavery to

freedom through a number of dances set to spiritual and blues music. It was heavily

influenced by Mr. Ailey’s memories of attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church

in Texas, and by the work of African American writers James Baldwin and Langston

Hughes. His movement is very grounded and blends African dance with the modern

style known as the Horton Technique. This technique was created by Mr. Ailey’s first

modern teacher Lester Horton who was also a world famous choreographer. In Revela-

tions Mr. Ailey uses simple props, such as an umbrella, scarves, church hats and stools

to tell his story in a powerful way that has been known to bring audience members to

tears. As you watch the performance notice how masterfully he brings

his story to life through his choice of music, costumes, and props.

10 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide

Did you know?

When Revelations first premiered it had 15 sections and was performed

to live vocals and music. It also lasted for over an hour. Over time it was

shortened to three sections: Pilgrim of Sorrow, Take Me To The Water and

Move, Members, Move!.

Did you know?

Alvin Ailey set his signature work, Revela-

tions, on the Ballet Folklorico Company for

opening ceremonies of the 1968 Olympics

in Mexico City. This was the only perfor-

mance of Revelations by a company other

than Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

or Ailey II in the company’s 54 year history.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance Guide 11

After the ShowYour experience at the Ailey Company performance will definitely inspire you to move.

No matter what style of dance you prefer, you can be sure to find a class at one of the

many dance studios in Boston. If you’re ready to put on your dancing shoes and get

moving visit the Boston Dance Alliance’s website: www.bostondancealliance.org to find

a list of dance schools near you!

Key WordsChoreographer Choreography is the art of arranging dance performances.

Choreography is also used to arrange ice skating, cheerleading, synchronized swimming, and a variety of other performance arts. A choreographer is someone who creates and arranges the steps and dances being performed.

Repertory A ‘repertory’ is a group of dances that a company will perform during a show or a whole season.

Repertory

Company

A repertory company is one that presents and performs a number of different dances created by different choreographers.

Curtain Call A curtain call is a series of bows and applause usually held at the end of a live performance. This allows the audience to give recognition to the performers for their work. Curtain calls can sometimes become encores, where extra material is performed at the request of the audience.

Liturgical Liturgical dance is a dance in which gestures and movements are used to symbolize religious symbols and stories. Also known as ‘praise dancing’ it is often included in services in the African American church.

Improvisation Dance improvisation is the process of spontaneously creating movement without a set plan or choreography. It can be done in a group or individually with or without music.

Score A score is the music that is used for a particular dance. A choreographer can use existing music as a score for his or her work. Choreographers can also hire a composer or songwriter to create a new original score for their dances.

Sextet A dance performed by six people.

© 2012 Citi and Citi Arc Design are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc. Citi Performing Arts Center is a service mark of Citigroup Inc.

This performance guide is made possible through support from the Boston Public Schools and the Target Corporation.

Written by Muadi B. Dibinga

Proud Sponsors of Citi Performing Arts Center

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