The irresistible dancers of Ailey are back in Birmingham after their sell-out visit in 2010 with a dazzling array of offerings. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, this all-star line-up continues to wow audiences and critics around the world.

Experience beautifully different repertoire over two days, which include Ailey classics as well as new works by some of today’s most acclaimed choreographers.

On Friday evening feel the movement and music of Cuba with Open Door and sizzling Argentinian tango re-imagined in Piazzolla Caldera.

For Saturday performances, experience hip-hop as a celebration of life in Exodus, find peace, solace and freedom in Four Corners and be swept away in a dreamlike duet in After the Rain Pas de Deux.

For the finale of all performances, experience the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world, beloved crowd-pleaser Revelations.

Fri 23 Sep PROGRAMME B – 2 Hours 5 Mins

OPEN DOOR

Choreography: Ronald K. Brown
Music recorded by Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

Renowned for his fusion of African and modern dance, Ronald K. Brown adds new flavor to his signature style, setting this work to recordings by Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Brown’s travels to Cuba inspired much of the movement, from the salsa partnering to the references to Elegba – the Santería god who opens pathways. The title hints at the power of dance and music as vehicles for culture and compassion.

PIAZZOLLA CALDERA

Choreography: Paul Taylor
Music recorded by Astor Piazzolla

Astor Piazzolla’s fiery tango music sets the stage for a series of sizzling encounters – some predatory, some playful. Paul Taylor’s work is a sensual exposé of tango as reinterpreted and reimagined with modern dance that honors the tradition of tango’s Argentinian working class roots and preserves the essence of the form.

REVELATIONS

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Music: Traditional Spirituals
Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences around the world cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.”

Sat 24 Sep PROGRAMME A – 2 hours 12 mins

FOUR CORNERS

Choreography: Ronald K. Brown
Music: Carl Hancock Rux, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Yacoub

Dancers depict spiritual seekers among four angels standing at the corners of the earth, holding the four winds. In creating his fifth commission for the Ailey company since 1999, the celebrated choreographer Ronald K. Brown turned to the song “Lamentations” by his friend, recording artist Carl Hancock Rux. Drawing from West African and modern dance influences, Brown uses grounded, earthy movements to portray figures who are burdened by grief but ultimately find peace, solace, and freedom.

EXODUS

Choreography: Rennie Harris
Music: Raphael Xavier

Acclaimed hip hop choreographer Rennie Harris explores the idea of “exodus” – from one’s ignorance and conformity – as a necessary step toward enlightenment. Set to gospel and house music along with poetic narration, the work underscores the crucial role of action and movement in effecting change. Exemplifying his view of hip hop as a “celebration of life,” Exodus marks Harris’ latest invitation to return to spiritual basics and affirm who we are.

AFTER THE RAIN PAS DE DEUX

Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon
Music: Arvo Pärt

Christopher Wheeldon’s dreamlike duet – praised for its sublime simplicity and intricate partnering – is revealed in a fresh light as the Ailey dancers make it their own.

REVELATIONS

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Music: Traditional Spirituals
Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences around the world cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.”

Main season image: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Rachael McLaren. Photo by Andrew Eccles.