An impression of culture and beauty sent shock waves through Kansas City September 6 through the 9 when the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, founded in 1984, brought the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre to the Carlsen Theatre on the campus of Johnson County Community College.
"These performers are incredibly talented, and it is so encouraging to witness the culture represented so beautifully," said onlooker Shanta Pennington.
The works performed at the presentation consisted of classics such as "Revelations," "The River," "Love Stories," and "Reminiscin'."
In addition, "Gamelan Gardens" was a new ballet choreographed by Karole Armitage of Lawrence, Kansas. "Caught," choreographed by David Parsons of Kansas City, was also performed, among many other numbers.
This modern style of dance created a warm and intimate mood where you felt very close to the dancers. With bare feet, very natural costume, and the simplest of props they created images of technique and beauty.
"Revelations" tells the story of an oppressed people who held true to their belief in a higher power and a better place in the next life.
We are all so fortunate to still be able to see the choreography of this legendary dance. The fact that Ailey's original works have been kept alive even until now speaks volumes about the creative organizers of this company.
Even after seeing it five times, it never ceases to amaze me how while watching this performance it feels like I'm literally sitting in one of those dusty, stuffy churches of old celebrating life despite tribulation.
Another piece I was privileged enough to witness was titled "Solo," choreographed by Hans van Manen. It was a quirky and fun piece that made me smile on the inside. This number consisted of only three dancers, Guillermo Asca, Glenn Allen Sims, and Antonio Douthit.
They moved from scene to scene fluidly and seemed to be challenging one another in a way. By the end, though, each performer was so talented it was impossible to choose a "winner," so to speak. The strength and ability of these dancers left me awe-stricken. It was nothing short of amazing.
Every performance was incredible from the astonishing movement of their bodies, to the unique formations, all the way to the props and the lighting. Each integral part played a significant role in the connections made with the audience.
This event served as that touch of legacy and custom that we all need to be reminded of from time to time. "The colors were pretty, and the dances were pretty, too!" said four-year-old Julie, who could hardly contain her excitement. Dance is a universal language understood by all, and transcends age, ethnicity, social class as well as other cluster we fall under.
Copyright 2006 Metropolitan Community College