Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular dance companies, will return to Birmingham Hippodrome for the first time in six years this September to present two exhilarating programmes of dance as part of a major new 2016 tour.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s performances celebrate the human spirit through the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition.

In almost six decades, Ailey’s artists have performed for over 25 million people in 71 countries on six continents and continue to wow audiences and critics around the world.

Ahead of the company’s return to Birmingham next week, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, Fiona Allan, shares her experiences of watching the company in rehearsal from their base in New York and fills us in on what Birmingham audiences can expect from this pioneering dance company.

Sometimes I just have to pinch myself as I can’t believe what a great job I have.

This happened most recently when I was privileged enough to be able to sit in the corner of a rehearsal room and watch one of the first run throughs of a new dance work made for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

The piece was Untitled America, created by choreographer Kyle Abraham, and is a reflection on the American prison system. The dancers were absolutely extraordinary, the work was very emotional, and quite literately, I was left speechless.

I had dropped by the headquarters of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (or AAADT for short) earlier that day, to visit with Artistic Director Robert Battle, and to discuss their forthcoming tour to the UK, which is being presented by the national body Dance Consortium UK.

It may be news to readers that Dance Consortium UK has its registered office at Birmingham Hippodrome, and its Executive Director Ros Robins is based here with us. Ros had heard I was visiting the USA, and as I’m co-chair of Dance Consortium, arranged for me to drop by to say hello to Mr Battle.

We discussed Brexit, Trump, and all sorts of things – he really is the most charming and engaging man. Naturally, we also talked about the tour. Amongst other things, he told me how much the company are looking forward to being back in the UK after a six year hiatus. This will be the fourth time that Dance Consortium have toured Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. They are a firm favourite with British audiences – and there is no doubt as to why.

Watching them in the rehearsal room that day, observing the way they warmed up and cooled down and sat in corners stretching and massaging tired muscles, I reflected on how this company really are the dance equivalent of Olympic athletes.

Every one of their dancers are in peak physical condition. Even if you don’t think you like ‘dance’, you cannot help but be mesmerised by their physical agility, grace and poise. Watching them really is witnessing the extremes of human physical endeavour. And whilst some of their repertoire is certainly  intense and contemplative, much of it – like the piece I watched in rehearsal – is also fun and joyful, especially their signature work by the late Alvin Ailey himself, Revelations.

And I know this better than most, as in late 2009, back when I was Artistic Director of Wales Millennium Centre, Dance Consortium sent me to New York for a week to watch every performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I believe there were seven performances in all, each with differing repertoire.

The purpose of the trip was to look at the repertoire we might consider bringing to the UK for their 2010 tour. Unsurprisingly, it was plentiful and varied, with influences ranging from African tribal routes, through classical dance to hip hop.

Without a doubt, this company have changed the way we think about American contemporary dance and have been trailblazers since their very first performance in Harlem in 1958.

Seven AAADT shows in a week – my friends asked me. Can you have too much of a good thing? Surely you must want to be going to see shows on Broadway?  But honestly, in the case of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – the answer is not at all. They are an inspiration and joy to behold, and their energy will leave you breathless.  Come and see them at Birmingham Hippodrome.

I put my hand on my heart and can honestly say that I think you’ll be blown away: in fact, if you see them and think it wasn’t worth a night at the theatre, write to me and tell me why, and I’ll give you your money back.  That’s a promise!

Fiona Allan