I went to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater tonight, I've been wanting to see them perform for a while and was not disappointed, they are absolutely spectacular. It was definitely one of the most exhilarating dance performances I've ever seen.
I love jazz ballet because I find it much more free form and expressive than classical ballet which is too often burdened by its rigid structures. The energy and intensity of the Alvin Ailey dancers was amazing, such power, grace and precision.
The show was sold out tonight, which I rarely see for dance performances in Ottawa (outside of schmaltzy acts like Riverdance).
The troupe performed four pieces from their repertoire; Night Creature, Solo, The River and one of Ailey's signature pieces Revelations. Two of the pieces Night Creature and The River were choreographed to the music of Duke Ellington which was awesome 'cause I love The Duke's music.
Solo was an interesting piece for three male dancers choreographed to a Bach violin concerto, it was an interesting juxtaposition of classical music with modern dance.
Revelations was brilliant, it's performed to African American Spirituals and has such an amazing energy. There was a huge ovation at the end and people even stayed standing and clapped in time to the music throughout the encore which is really rare for audiences in Ottawa since it's such a conservative, uptight, white collar town.
I'd definitely recommend catching AAADT if you can, the talent of this troupe is unbelievable and they give an absolutely exhilarating performance.
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