Dynamic dance is waiting in the wings at Milton Keynes Cineworld in the form of a screening of an outstanding mixed programme of works by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, writes Georgina Butler.
Showing on Tuesday (March 29) as part of a Great American Dance series being presented at the cinema, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s stunning mixed bill features the Company’s beloved signature work Revelations alongside three piece which showcase its diverse repertory: Chroma, Grace and Takademe.
The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American Dance. Alvin Ailey Dance Theater promotes the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition.
Revelations is the American dance masterpiece created by founder Alvin Ailey in 1960. Set to traditional African-American music, Revelations powerfully probes into the soul, seeking out the places of deepest grief and holiest joy. It has become an American cultural treasure, acclaimed as a must-see work of art.
Chroma is a contemporary ballet from ground-breaking British choreographer Wayne McGregor. The piece is full of sensory surprises: sumptuous movement, a driving score by British composer Joby Talbot with orchestrations of songs by The White Stripes and a luminous set designed by minimalist architect John Pawson.
Grace is one of the most popular works in the Ailey repertory. A spiritually-charged work devised by dancer and choreographer Ronald K. Brown, it uses a spellbinding blend of modern dance and West African symbolism to juxtaposes the religious against the secular. Grace weaves the story of a Goddess’s journey to Earth to spread grace among humans, ultimately welcoming them to heaven.
Takademe is a bravura work by the Company’s artistic director Robert Battle. It mixes humour and high-flying movement in a savvy, fast-paced deconstruction of the complex, tightly woven rhythms in Indian Kathak dance.
Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great American Dance is the first ever series of dance screenings from the United States to be shown in cinemas around the world, bringing divine dancing to a global audience. The series features spectacular performances by four of America’s leading dance companies – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispanico, New York City Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet.
These pieces from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater were filmed for the big screen at the David H. Koch Theater, New York in June 2015.
Milton Keynes Cineworld is among the venues which will screen Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s mixed programme: Chroma, Grace, Takademe, Revelations on Tuesday March 29 2016.
Complete cinema listings can be found at www.greatamericandance.com.
For more dance and theatre news, features, interviews and reviews from Georgina, visit http://georginabutler.wordpress.com and follow her on Twitter @GeorginaLButler.
