Judith Jamison was always going to be a tough act to follow. But in the six years since Robert Battle took the helm of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, he's launched a new era for the iconic troupe.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to globally expand its diverse brand of breathtaking performances under the strategic artistic direction of Robert Battle. Battle was raised here in Liberty City, Miami.
Alvin Ailey's Artistic Director Robert Battle talks about staging the dance company’s new season, 25 years after its founder’s passing. He is only the third person to head the Company since it was founded in 1958.
Ailey was a choreographer, dancer, and the founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which is renowned for its inspiring performances in 71 countries on 6 continents since 1958. Ailey’s work was groundbreaking in its exploration of the African American experience and the enrichment of the modern dance tradition, including his beloved American masterpiece Revelations.
When Robert Battle, the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, addressed the audience on opening night at New York City Center, he brought a prop along with him: a seat belt. "Next year," he joked, "we're going to sell them in the gift shop."
Last year, Robert Battle became the third person to head the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater since the company was founded in 1958. During the troupe's season in New York, which runs through Dec. 30 at City Center, Mr. Battle attends both the matinee and evening performances.
What will make an audience return to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kick off another Spoleto Festival season? Will it be to see how Robert Battle, the newly anointed artistic director, will put his stamp on this cultural treasure of a company? Maybe.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater held a gala performance at the Apollo Theater at West 125th Street, followed by a dinner-dance in a tent.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater arrives for its annual spring engagement at the Auditorium Theatre this week, marking the first time the internationally acclaimed company will appear here under its new artistic director, Robert Battle. Be prepared for two things: A continued devotion to tradition, a byword of this troupe from the start, but also several big, refreshing surprises.