Thu 6 (BSL Interpreted)

Homage to Alvin Ailey

Tue 4, Fri 7, Tue11, Fri 14 7.30pm & Sat 8 2.30pm

Night Creature (1975)

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Music: Duke Ellington
Running time: 16 mins


One of Ailey's most classically choreographed ballets juxtaposed within Ellington's jazz idiom - the dance captivates with Ailey's sexy nocturnal rituals that propel the movement into a fast paced climatic catharsis. Ellington first composed the phenomenal, "Suite For Orchestra" in 1955, later adding the second and third movements in 1963. Night Creature is the definitive Ailey homage to the exuberance of The Duke's jazz.

Pas De Duke (1976)

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Restaged by: Masazumi Chaya
Composer: Duke Ellington

Originally created as a showcase for Judith Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Pas de Duke is Alvin Ailey's modern-dance translation of a classical pas de deux, celebrating the musical genius of Duke Ellington. Ailey's choreography brilliantly captures the exuberance of the dancers' star qualities and techniques as the duo mirror each other toe-to-toe and line-for-line in this playful, jazzy dance. The New York Times praised the work as 'one of those special dances that lives in new ways with each new set of performers"

The River (1970)

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Restaged by: Masazumi Chaya
Music: Duke Ellington
Running time: 32 mins

A legendary collaboration between renowned choreographer Alvin Ailey and musical genius Duke Ellington, The River celebrates birth, life and rebirth. Ailey's choreographic allegory combines modern dance, Classical ballet and Jazz to convey the mutability of water on its voyage to the sea - much like the journey of life. The River 'shows Mr. Ailey at his inventive best,' declared The New York Times.

Revelations (1960)

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Music: Traditionals Spirituals
Running time: 32 mins

AAADT's jubilant signature piece is one of the mist uplifting ballets in the modern dance repertoire, and American classic and one of the best-loved pieces of dance in the whole world. "In all the dance world there is nothing quite like Revelations and the ardour it evokes" The Washington Times

Ailey Jazz

Wed 5, Sat 8, Wed 12 7.30pm & Sat 15 2.30pm

New Work By Camille Brown (2007)

Choreography: Camille Brown
Music: Ray Charles
Running time: 15 mins

Named one of Dance Magazine's "25 to watch" Camille A. Brown blends modern, West African dance and ballet in an innovative style that has gained widespread acclaim and recognition for this exciting emerging choreographer, praised by The New York Times as "a force of nature".

Pas De Duke* (1976)

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Restaged by: Masazumi Chaya
Composer: Duke Ellington

Originally created as a showcase for Judith Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Pas de Duke is Alvin Ailey's modern-dance translation of a classical pas de deux, celebrating the musical genius of Duke Ellington. Ailey's choreography brilliantly captures the exuberance of the dancers' star qualities and techniques as the duo mirror each other toe-to-toe and line-for-line in this playful, jazzy dance. The New York Times praised the work as 'one of those special dances that lives in new ways with each new set of performers"

* replaces Portrait of Billie

The Road of The Phoebe Snow (1959)

Choreography: Talley Beatty
Music: Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
Running time: 27 mins

Set to the quintessential American jazz music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, the ballet weaves a turbulent and gripping love story of young Americans from "the wrong side of the track"

The Winter in Lisbon (1992)

Choreographer: Billy Wilson
Music: Dizzy Gillespie
Running time: 26 mins

Dizzy Gillespie's brilliant music sets the tine for this sizzling, sensuous ballet celebrating four decades of his work. "A joyous dance that gives an emotional lift" Associated Press

Best of Ailey

Thu 6, Thu 13, Sat 15 7.30pm & Sun 9 4pm

Firebird (1964)

Choreography: Maurice Béjart
Music: Stravinsky
Running time: 21 mins

New to AAADT, Béjart's Firebird brings a radiant grandeur to Stravinsky's score, reinterpreting the traditional fairytale as an allegory of rebellion and revolution featuring a make Firebird and Phienix surrounded by a full chorus. An irresistible showcase of the power and beauty of the Ailey dancers.

The Golden Section (1981)

Choreography: Twyla Tharp
Music: David Byrne
Running time: 32 mins

The Golden Section by Tony Award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp sizzles like never before when performed by the fearless Ailey dancers. Set to a propulsive score by David Byrne, The Golden Section shatters the limits of human physicality with breathtaking leaps, finely-honed partnering and explosive joy. It is 'dancing of astonishing beauty and power,' raved The New Yorker.

Revelations (1960)

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Music: Traditionals Spirituals
Running time: 32 mins

AAADT's jubilant signature piece is one of the mist uplifting ballets in the modern dance repertoire, and American classic and one of the best-loved pieces of dance in the whole world. "In all the dance world there is nothing quite like Revelations and the ardour it evokes" The Washington Times

www.alvinailey.org

www.worldwidedanceuk.com/ailey

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Masterclass
Friday 7 September 2007, 11am – 12.30pm

An advanced dance class taught by an Ailey artist suitable for professionals (working or training in dance as a career) age 17+ only. The master class will include a Horton technique warm-up and a challenging movement combination from the Alvin Ailey repertoire.

Venue: Lilian Baylis Theatre (Sadler’s Wells)

Cost: £12

Please call the Ticket Office on 0844 412 4300 to book.

Monday 10 September 17:30-19:00

This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, renowned for their soul-stirring, high energy performances-showing American dance at its vibrant best. This Inset will offer secondary school teachers a unique opportunity to take part in a class, learn repertory and to be inspired by the company’s work, to develop ideas to take back into the class room.

Places cost £20 must be booked in advance through connect@sadlerswells.com or 020 7863 8094

Find more classes, talks and special events in Sadler's Wells Extras.

How to Find Us

Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R