By Taras Berezowsky
DETROIT – The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater knows how to make history.
In 1962, just four years after gay founder Alvin Ailey started the company in New York City, John F. Kennedy's administration invited them to tour Asia and Australia as part of the "President's Special International Program for Cultural Presentations," an auspicious milestone for a talented African-American ensemble creating groundbreaking works.
Now, in the same year that America has elected its first African-American president, AAADT celebrates 50 years of successfully touring the world with a limited engagement at the Detroit Opera House, beginning Feb. 12.
Shortly before touring in Kennedy's international program, Ailey conceived and choreographed the piece that would cement his reputation as a modern dance icon: "Revelations." A dance deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of African Americans, it is set to spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, and will be the centerpiece of each AAADT performance at the DOH. The retrospective also highlights the work of associate choreographers, among them Hope Boykin's new "Go in Grace," and Mauro Bigonzetti's colorful "Festa Barocca."
"Through the story of a family learning lessons through growth, I also continue to grow," Boykin has said.
The ensemble is well accustomed to change, both artistic and physical. (The company, currently housed in a gleaming high-rise on Manhattan's West Side, has had homes at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and in a renovated church, to name a few.) Ailey left the current organization's artistic leadership with a sterling commitment to not only his art, but to teaching students and touring, before passing away in 1989.
Chris Jackson, one of 30 ensemble members performing "Revelations" on the 50th anniversary tour, is a product of Ailey II, a faction of AAADT that nurtures young talent, undertakes outreach programs and tours extensively on its own.
"Ailey II, directed by Sylvia Waters, who danced with Alvin back in the day, is a stepping stone to the main company," Jackson says. "It's amazing because it helps so many teenagers find their way."
Several of the company's teaching artists will be in town, providing a two-week residency for Detroit International Academy students called The Revelations Project. Ultimately, 200 students will attend an AAADT performance. Ensemble members will also teach a master class at the opera house on Valentine's Day for $25 – free if you have an AAADT show ticket stub.
In light of the drastic cuts the arts community has suffered recently, not least of which is Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposal to vanquish the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, it's heartening to see this renowned company offer young, aspiring Detroit dancers an opportunity to learn.
"I come from Maywood, Ill., and without the one dance studio in that one small town – Stairway of the Stars – I wouldn't be where I am today," Jackson says. "I think of that one Michigan child that doesn't get a chance to take a dance class, so it's up to companies like ours to show them what it means to be an artist."
PREVIEW:
'Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater'
At the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 -14; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14-15. Tickets: $25-$96. For information: 313-237-7464 or http://www.michiganopera.org.
