Movie Review: “A tribute to Alvin Ailey with the American Theatre”
Alvin Ailey lived between 1931 and 1989 and in the 58 year, he lived left a legacy in the dance theatre industry. Ailey had a passion in theatre and dancing which led him to pursue choreography as a profession. His passions led him to establish the American Dance Theatre, which he named after himself. Today dancers pay patronage to Ailey`s activism in revolutionizing and popularizing modern African-American dance. Other dancers refer to Ailey as the cultural ambassador from America (DeFrantz, 2004). Apart from dancing, Ailey also served as an activist for the participation of African Americans in the dance concerts that took place in the 20th century. The theatre has shot a film, which pays tribute to the dance legend. In the film, Ailey refers to himself as a black man who has his roots in the sun. During the theatres events and celebration, they show the film to pay tribute to the dance legend.
Summary of the Event
The event took place at the Gaillard stage with the theatre company arranging the stage and line-up of events. It commenced with the film that pays tribute to the legendary African-American dancer. The company holds the events to present the modern dance culture from an African-Americans perspective (Foulkes, 2002). The events bring together dancers from the African-American community who draw their motivation in dancing from Ailey. The event has uniqueness particularly because all choreographers who participate pay tribute to Ailey and seek to advance the concepts presented by Ailey. The theatre and these events seem to revolve around Ailey. Although Ailey died in the 80`s the modern choreographers from the theatre company hold special events to celebrate the talent and the pace that the legend set for them in the entertainment industry.
The event commemorates a legendary choreographer who set the pace for African dancers living in America to participate in modern dance. His activism efforts greatly contributed to the acceptance of African culture into the dance concerts during the 20th century (Foulkes, 2002). The event also pays tribute and shares the rich history of a dancer who used the skills as a tool in activism. In addition, the event enables the theatre company to spot dancing talent from the choreographers who attend. Once the company spots the talent, they promote the talented choreographers to develop their skills and this contributes to promoting other dancers.
The dislikes
The theatre company does not support the development of other dance moves and styles. During the event, the theatre company only supports performances, which hold the same principle as Ailey’s performance. Those moves performed in the 20th century do not move along with the principles that Ailey supported. During his time, Ailey and other dancers perceived the moves as modern dance choreography (Foulkes, 2002). However, today other choreographers have developed other moves. The theatre company should support the modern dance choreography in their events and allow the choreographers who seek to pursue the same to pursue these styles.
Currently, with only support for the legendary dance moves the event fails to attract individuals who have other ideas (Schwartz, & Schwartz, 2011). In addition, the events have become predictable as the theatre company presents the same performances and dances. With the monotony, the event fails to attract individuals who have attended previous sessions.
Considering that the theatre company focuses on maintaining Ailey`s history they should change the events name to Ailey`s Experience as well as the theatre company`s name (Schwartz, & Schwartz, 2011). Naming the theatre company Ailey`s Experience passes on Ailey`s dancing magic to other choreographers. The name will enable the theatre company to transcend time and hold Ailey`s effect on the art industry.
Intrigue
Amazingly, the theatre company has dancers who still reveal the beauty and misery as expressed by Ailey. The dancers also present the pain and hope as envisioned by Ailey. The dancers infuse art with the magical history presented by Ailey (DeFrantz, 2004). The choreographers and dancers who participate in the dancing events seem to connect with the attendees in a similar way to Ailey. The theatre also gathers distinct personalities, which includes individuals who have contributed to the dancing history.
Finally, the theatre company attracts individuals from different backgrounds who enjoy the revolution that Ailey started. During the event, the attendees continue to dress in attires similar to Ailey. The company theatre company has managed to develop a culture further from where Ailey left.
Opinion
Ailey used dance to bring a revolution through activism. Individuals should treasure the magic talent that Ailey displayed in the theatre and continue to promote such skills.
Conclusion
Ailey revolutionized the dance and theatre industry. Choreographers continue to celebrate his efforts by holding events that pay tribute to Ailey. In addition, the theatre company preserves African-American modern dance history. The theatre company should change its name and identify with the preservation of Ailey`s dance history (Schwartz & Schwartz, 2011). However, Ailey remains to hold a special place in dance choreography’s history.
References
DeFrantz, T. (2004). Dancing revelations Alvin Ailey's embodiment of African American culture. New York: Oxford University Press.
Foulkes, J. L. (2002). Modern bodies: dance and American modernism from Martha Graham to Alvin Ailey. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.
Schwartz, P., & Schwartz, M. (2011). The dance claimed me: a biography of Pearl Primus. New Haven [Conn.: Yale University Press.
