Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater @ the Paramount This Weekend

As the curtains parted at the Paramount last night to reveal an undulating gray mass of dancers at center stage, it was immediately obvious that we were in for an evening of dance vastly difference from the usual Seattle repertoire. When the dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater take the stage, they do so with a commanding presence and a palpable sense of unity. Friday night marked the first of three Seattle performances for the group this weekend at the Paramount.

This tour marks the 50th Anniversary of the company, whose inaugural performance took place at New York's 92nd Street Young Men's Hebrew Association in 1958. Alvin Ailey's original intention was to form a group of black modern dancers whose performances would speak specifically to the African-American experience, the message of which he believed was a universal one.

The sense of purpose and unity that radiates from the current troupe is probably due in no small part to Ailey's Artistic Director, Judith Jamison—Alvin Ailey's protege, and sometimes muse, who inherited the position from the founder in 1989 shortly before his death. Jamison, as a dancer, is a luminary of her craft, and has propelled huge expansions at AAADT over the past two decades. It was recently announced she will retire from her position in 2010. That's even more reason for Seattlites to catch a show this weekend, as it's almost certain AAADT won't be back in town before then.

While the lineup for each performance varies nightly, Ailey's pinnacle piece, "Revelations," ends each show. The piece was created by Ailey in 1960 as a celebration of the African-American cultural experience, set to a backdrop of religious music. "Revelations" has become the company's signature piece and, 40 years and several cycles of dancers later, it still beats with an infectious sense of vibrancy and pride.

No matter what the piece being performed, the fact is it's a rare day in Seattle when you get a chance to see dancers of this caliber. This shouldn't be taken as a critique of our local dance troupes but, rather, as a testament to just how incredible the Ailey dancers are. The technique, athleticism, staging, and lighting are all impeccable and carried out with a palpable, deep-seated commitment to Ailey's original vision.

Photo courtesy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater @ the Paramount This Weekend