Ailey's humanistic vision touches the world

Mary Ellen Hunt, Special to The Chronicle

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Although Alvin Ailey died in 1989, people who work at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater tend to speak about the company's founder in the present tense: "The most important thing to Mr. Ailey is that we be grounded human beings"; "Alvin has always been a man of big dreams."

That he remains a living presence to the people of the Alvin Ailey company is not only striking, but it also seems to be the singular reason for the extraordinary growth and longevity of the organization that he founded, which celebrates its 50th anniversary with three Cal Performances programs this week at UC Berkeley.

Dance review: Don't miss Ailey's 'Revelations'

Rachel Howard, Chronicle Dance Correspondent

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Dance doesn't get more soul-stirring than "Revelations," Alvin Ailey's triumph and his frequent vexation. He choreographed it early in his career - in 1960, just two years after founding his troupe. How could he ever top it?

And, nearly half a century after its creation, how to adequately explain the dependably rapturous standing ovation "Revelations" received Tuesday, when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opened at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall? The standard analysis is cliche now but true: "Revelations" captures the universal pain and fortitude of the African American experience.

Dance party: Alvin Ailey company celebrates 50 years of groundbreaking performances
There’s nothing like an anniversary party for gathering old acquaintances, revisiting memories and admiring new family members who will carry on traditions.

The Celebrity Series hosted Tuesday night’s Opera House party for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The varied programs for each of this week’s performances, which continue through Sunday, are a tribute to the ensemble’s vigor.

Ailey troupe is as vital as ever
.... this is no empty relic of a company: Twenty years after the founding genius's death, its spirit is vibrant, its dancers' commitment to every gesture total (down to the final extension of fingers and toes), and Ailey's choreography as fresh and moving as if it had been created yesterday. ... it takes a lot of talent to add something of equal weight to a program featuring his work.