What better way to enter into sunshine in Chicago than the arrival of new choreographers, old favorites coming to town and new combinations of movement? The beginning of the summer dance season promises to be a great start to an exciting time of Chicago engagements. Look for the summer dance preview later this month, but for now check out these enticing presentations of dance in the city.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Chicago at the Auditorium Theatre this month. An annual event on the Auditorium Theatres calendar, this year's presentation of Alvin Ailey is especially thrilling. Brett Batterson, executive director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, explained, "If there ever was a year to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, this is it. The Company is at an exciting time in its history.
"First, we gratefully salute the incredible legacy of Artistic Director Judith Jamison during her final season; secondly, we offer a look towards the future with several works by Robert Battle who will, in July 2011, become the third Artistic Director of the Company and lead it into exciting new directions. In addition, we are thrilled to celebrate the 50thanniversary of 'Revelations,' certainly one of the greatest dance pieces of the 20thcentury and one of the most celebrated by an American choreographer."
Revelations is an iconic work of movement, music and costuming that has become synonymous with the Ailey Company. Celebrating 50 years of this dance, Revelations will be performed at every engagement this season. A tribute to the African-American heritage, the work uses African-American spirituals, exploring the places of deepest grief and the joys in the soul. For the first time in Chicago, and in honor of the 50th anniversary of this work, the piece will be introduced with a short film, directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Judy Kinberg, which includes historic performance footage and interviews with Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison.
Also on the program are multiple Chicago premieres, including two works The Hunt (2001), and In/Side (2008), by upcoming Artistic Director Robert Battle. Another Chicago first, Anointed, (2010) pays homage to Ailey's present, past and future, loosely charting first Ailey, then Jamison and Battle's soon to be journey with the company. Choreographed by former Ailey company member Christopher L. Huggins with music by Moby and Sean Clement, this work marks Huggins' first contribution to the Ailey repertory. Judith Jameson's Forgotten Time (1989), The Evolution of a Secured Feminine (2007) from Camille A. Brown, and Alvin Ailey's three part ballet Three Black Kings (1976), round out the six Chicago premieres in this engagement.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be presented by The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress, with various times and programs May 18-22. Tickets ($30-$87), and more information are available by calling 800-982-2787 or visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium.
The Llanarth Group, in association with the Columbia College Theater department, will present a work informed by Japanese theatre of quietude and string theory, entitled "Told by the Wind." This collaborative, cross platform performance is described as intimate and meditative, a poignant duet for two figures who never physically meet. Stripped of the traditional elements associated with theatre, the stories are evoked and told by embodied silences, splintered interactions, and slowed down motion. Told by the Wind is the co-creation of The Llanarth Group, an award-winning team of Wales-based theater and performance artists, including director/performer Phillip Zarrilli, choreographer Jo Shaplan and playwright Katie O'Reilly.
The Llanarth Group will perform at The Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan, 8 p.m., on Friday-Saturday, May 20-21. Tickets ($20) and more information are avalible by calling 312-369-8330 or visiting http://www.colum.edu/dancecenter.
Celebrating 15 years as a company, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet brings three Chicago premieres to the Harris Theater this month. Considered a leader in upcoming American contemporary ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet strives to be committed to presenting groundbreaking work by world-renowned choreographers.
Under the direction of Jean-Philippe Malaty and former Joffrey Ballet principal dancer Tom Mossbrucker, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet will present an eclectic evening of contemporary ballet. Red Sweet, is the company's signature piece set to music by Vivaldi and Biber, choreographed by celebrated Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo. Stamping Ground, a rarely seen work by choreographer Jiri Kylián, features music by Carlos Chavez. Rounding out the program is the work Where We Left Off, choreographed by Nicolo Fonte with music by Philip Glass.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet will perform at The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, May 24. Tickets ($32-$72), and more information are available by calling 312-334-7777 or visiting www.harristheaterchicago.org .
