Judith Jamison, the legendary dancer and choreographer, took up drawing a few years ago on the advice of a friend. She was in the Adirondacks sketching with markers and paper in the middle of the night, when she drew a figure that sent shivers up her spine.
At the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Matthew Rushing is a dancer of great spirit and charm, and in his new work for the company, "Uptown," first performed on Wednesday night at City Center, there is plenty of both.
Every time I see Alvin Ailey’s beloved Revelations, and the music for “Wade in the Water” begins, I remember Judith Jamison performing that soul-lifting sequence. This isn’t fair to whatever current company member is doing it, I know, but I can’t help it.
Blink and you'll miss it. That's how briskly the seamless program of dances compiled for "Ailey Highlights" flies by.
Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes. The giants of the Harlem Renaissance loom large in "Uptown," Matthew Rushing's new work for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
At the glass palace that is Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's headquarters, Judith Jamison is literally enshrined.
The dancers ended on their knees, the audience surged to its feet. It was business as usual Wednesday night at City Center, where Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opened its annual Midtown season with a star-studded gala.
Wednesday night's gala opening of Alvin Ailey's season at City Center was short and glittery -- a sea of tuxedos and gowns, amid which were the Rev. Jesse Jackson, India.Arie and Ivanka Trump, among others.
Dance aficionado André Leon Talley rearranged a trip to China, presumably for Chanel's pre-fall show in Shanghai, so he could make it to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s opening Wednesday night, which was also a celebration of Judith Jamison’s twentieth year as artistic director.
Judith Jamison first took the stage with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 44 years ago, and this season she celebrates her 20th year as artistic director of the prolific dance company.