The dance scene was marked by the growth of grass-roots talent, with the emergence of young artists such as Ana Mendez, Letty Bassart, and Rudi Goblen - often mixeding in other genres like theater and performance - and creative underground venues such as Heather Maloney's Inkub8 Studio in Wynwood.
April 28: Judith Jamison, artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Robert Battle, the artistic director designate.
A seemingly bemused Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) uttered a sonorously drawn out "No!" to Harry Belafonte in a 1978 television conversation with the singer, who asked the choreographer, "When you were making 'Revelations,' did you know you'd be doing it forever?" At that point, Mr. Ailey's wildly popular dance suite set to spirituals and gospel music was already 18 years old.
In honor of Alvin Ailey's 50th anniversary of "Revelations," fresh recreations of the works do justice to their original incarnations.
After seeing "Celebrating 'Revelations' at 50," the film tribute by Judy Kinberg that precedes the piece this season at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Roslyn Sulcas wrote: "It's notable how rough hewn - and powerful - the dancing looks in the historical footage of Ailey and others performing in that work."
Watching "Celebrating 'Revelations' at 50," the film tribute by Judy Kinberg that precedes the piece during the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's current season, it's notable how rough hewn - and powerful - the dancing looks in the historical footage of Ailey and others performing in that work.
"Rocks my sould in the bosom of Abraham!" Sweet Honey in the Rock throws the words up like a tidal wave from the City Center pit, while from a corner of the stage, the voice of Ella Mitchell - which has been heard (both live and recorded) during Alvin Ailey's 1960 Revelations for 37 years - soars above the other singers.
For Judith Jamison, there are no transitions. From star dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to directing the company and now handing the reins to someone else, it's all seamless.
At Revelations on Friday, the gloriously craggy singer Ella Mitchell belted out the gospels while Judith Jamison in conductor mode coaxed a low, spooky sound from the chorus and students from the Ailey school dashed into the auditorium to mirror the drama onstage.
Dec. 1: The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrated 50 years of its signature work, "Revelations," and Joan H. Weill's 10th anniversary as board chairwoman.