It’s December, so it’s time to see Alvin Ailey! I always tell my friends that the holiday season officially begins when I see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I am always so moved by seeing gifted African American dancers perform iconic dance sets created by the late founder Alvin Ailey. What I also appreciate are the newer choreographed pieces that address issues as diverse and universal as incarceration, love, joy, loss and so much more.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater first performed in March 1958 and has continued to expand into various companies and teaching programs, which have helped support generations of primarily African American dancers.
Let me be totally honest: The moment the curtain rises on Ailey’s signature dance “Revelations,” my eyes overflow with tears of joy. From beginning to end, I am captivated by the strength and detail of every dancer. I am overwhelmed by the sweeping music that transports me to the past and reconnects me with my ancestors. The costumes on the dancers make me think of being at sea, drifting in an ocean, and even going to church with my grandmother in the deep South.
If you have never seen Alvin Ailey during the month of December, it is a must. There are still tickets available at City Center until December 24 at www.alvinailey.org. If you do not get to experience Ailey in December, they will be touring various American cities beginning in February 2023.
If you live in New York and are so inspired by what you see, you (or a young person in your life) can even sign up to take classes at the Alvin Ailey school at 405 West 55th Street (at 9th Ave).
There are so many talented African American dancers continuing the legacies of so many incredible Black trailblazers. There are also so many modern-day choreographers who are building on the foundation of their mentors. They are creating ways for Black people to see themselves in a new light. They are creating art that literally moves one’s spirit and creates a collective emotional space for patrons to enjoy an evening of dance, community and sheer talent.
Once you have seen Ailey, you can also experience the Dance Theater of Harlem (www.dancetheatreofharlem.org). The Dance Theater of Harlem will be on tour in several cities beginning in January 2023. I for one have already gotten my tickets to Ailey for this holiday season and for the Dance Theater of Harlem for the spring.
It is my hope that you will take the time to enjoy and experience the arts this holiday season in some capacity. The communal experience of seeing some of the most talented dancers of our lifetime is incredible and worth every penny.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC and host of The Blackest Questions podcast at TheGrio.