Anyone in the world of dance, arts, and performance know of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. From the prestige of dance they have taken on being a force for education, community, and dance training with sophistication. Now this weekend only see them at Ensemble Arts Philadelphia.
What to Know before you go seethe Alvin Ailey experience
The show starts promptly on time. Be sure that you get there in plenty of time to get your concessions, purchase items to take home, and more. The show will sell out so be sure that if you’re able to go make sure you get your tickets now.
The show is broken into 3 parts. Each part has a quick intermission to help the artist change. The show is suitable for all but keep in mind younger kids do have a hard time sitting for the 2 hour time frame. My youngest is 10 and she was fidgeting. I did bring her a fidget toy and she was better. Younger than 10 was a little more agitated. One family took several breaks. I would suggest sitting closer to the back. However I believe in teaching kids the arts at a young age.
VIP Alvin Ailey Reception
Although no longer available I attended the VIP reception with my daughters. It felt so good to see those who aspire, encourage, and be in a room full of beautiful people coming together to indulge in the sophistication of what Alvin Ailey stood for. As a parent I felt a sense of pride having my daughters with me.
We enjoyed amazing bites from Garces Restaurant and wine and beer for the adults. The girls enjoyed juices and soda. Either way I spoke to the girls about the importance of supporting the arts. I drove home the importance of the history behind Alvin Ailey and their mission.
Century
This was part of the show was more of a jazz influence. It was high energy and definitely a crowd pleaser. The anticipation of everything I had been waiting to see since my mom told me about them was met when the curtain opened. It was a jaw dropping moment.
Following the Subtle Current Upstream
I enjoyed this one. This was more of an interpreted dance. Each movement told a story. I enjoyed the color choices that were used. The energy was undeniable.
Revelations
This is one of the most well known piece that makes Alvin Ailey what it is When others described it as an explosion of culture they undersold it. The song choices, the movement, the culture, and the story telling element comes completely alive in a way that can’t be bottled up.
It felt as if I was sitting with my great grandparents as they talked about the struggles and triumphs of being black in America but in dance form. I felt seen, proud, and challenged in the moment.
Story Telling with Alvin Ailey
The entire show is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Alvin Ailey Dance theatre became the first black repertory dance company in 1958. To this day Alvin Alley is known for its dance, prestige, and community spirit. Alvin Ailey is known for his civil rights activism. A true honor and a joy in the dance world for his hard work and dedication to using storytelling.
Make sure you get your tickets now. Alvin Ailey show is not be missed. Don’t live in Philadelphia? No problem. The show is on tour and you can catch the show in a city or state near you. Thank you to Ensemble Arts Philadelphia and the entire staff and company of Alvin Ailey Theatre.
