LorraineDesign

This past weekend, through my job, I was able to see a touring performance of Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater. I must admit that I was a little hesitant about going. Don’t get me wrong: I love dance (both watching and performing), but am just not that into modern dance. Ballet? Beautiful. Tap? Absolutely love it. Swing/ballroom? Sign me up! Perhaps one of the reasons why I just can’t get into Modern dance is because I had a hard time learning it myself…that, and a lot of the time, while I can appreciate the movement and art behind it, I have a hard time appreciating the musicality of it.

In any case, I was pleasantly surprised. The Ailey performance was a great blend of modern and classical ballet with even some influences at times from salsa/ballroom and even a bit of hip hop. The three acts ranged from classical music to scat to pop with the choreography ranging from the early 70’s until today. (I believe they are celebrating an anniversary and therefore pulling from their performance archives for each show.) The costuming was superb for each number and really enhanced the experience. (Who knew that they made a ballet-salsa combo shoe??) Add in that our seats were in the 6th row, and it made for an excellent evening. I highly recommend it to anyone who has the chance to go.