By Walter Rutledge
In 1971, Alvin Ailey created Cry, one of his signature dance works, as a birthday present for his mother Lula Elizabeth Ailey. Ailey dedicated the ballet to “all black women everywhere — especially our mothers.” The three-part ballet, set to popular and gospel music by Alice Coltrane, Laura Nyro and Chuck Griffin, depicts a woman’s journey through the agonies of slavery to an ecstatic state of grace. Cry premiered at New York City Center on May 4, 1971. Continue reading
On Tuesday March 22 the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company performed Donald McKayle’s 1959 modern dance classic Rainbow Round My Shoulder during Paul Taylor’s American Modern Dance New York City season. The presentation is part of the Taylor Company’s initiative to present new works by emerging choreographers and modern dance masters. This is the second season of the initiative; season one featured an impressive performance of Doris Humphrey’s Passacaglia and Fugue by the Jose Limon Dance Company.
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Following the performance a reception honoring McKayle was held at the Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. McKayle (84) was greeted by well wishers, and a surprising number of dancers who had performed the work over the past 56 years including former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers Donna Wood, Elizabeth Roxas, Ailey 2 Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters and Tony Award Winner George Faison. You have two more opportunities to see Rainbow Round My Shoulder on Thursday, March 24 and Saturday March 26. DON’T MISS IT! (Review of Rainbow Round My Shoulder and related interviews to follow shortly.) For tickets visit www.boxoffice.dance.
Rainbow Round My Shoulder photo by Sara D. Davis/ ADF 2011
In 1971, Alvin Ailey created Cry, one of his signature dance works, as a birthday present for his mother Lula Elizabeth Ailey. Ailey dedicated the ballet to “all black women everywhere — especially our mothers.” The three-part ballet, set to popular and gospel music by Alice Coltrane, Laura Nyro and Chuck Griffin, depicts a woman’s journey through the agonies of slavery to an ecstatic state of grace. Cry premiered at New York City Center on May 4, 1971. Continue reading
Ghanaian artist Paa Joe has brought some of New York City’s most iconic motifs to life. As part of Superhouse NYC’s inaugural “Celestial City” exhibition, the multidisciplinary artist served up a handful of lifesize sculptures of the city’s signature signage, including pizza boxes, taxi cabs, bagels and of course, rats. 120 Walker Street, 6RGhanaian artist Paa Joe has brought some of New York City’s most iconic motifs to life. As part of Superhouse NYC’s inaugural “Celestial City” exhibition, the multidisciplinary artist served up a handful of lifesize sculptures of the city’s signature signage, including pizza boxes, taxi cabs, bagels and of course, rats. 120 Walker Street, 6R
The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid Ghanaian artist Paa Joe has brought some of New York City’s most iconic motifs to life. As part of Superhouse NYC’s inaugural “Celestial City” exhibition, the multidisciplinary artist served up a handful of lifesize sculptures of the city’s signature signage, including pizza boxes, taxi cabs, bagels and of course, rats. 120 Walker Street, 6RGhanaian artist Paa Joe has brought some of New York City’s most iconic motifs to life. As part of Superhouse NYC’s inaugural “Celestial City” exhibition, the multidisciplinary artist served up a handful of lifesize sculptures of the city’s signature signage, including pizza boxes, taxi cabs, bagels and of course, rats. 120 Walker Street, 6R
The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid 