Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Ailey Classics

Sadler’s Wells, London
September 7, 2023

Reviewing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a bit like reviewing Father Christmas, although you might not like everything you get, the institution is great. As the title suggests, this triple bill is classic Ailey: The River, Pas de Duke, Cry, and Revelations.

The quality and technical presentation of the company was breathtaking, with four dancers, Patrick Coker, Xavier Mack, Yannick Lebrun, and Jacquelin Harris, standing out as remarkable in their technical finesse; their sharp, clean, and precise movements woven through with humour and humanity.

The River is a big, whole company work in which the choreography reflects the changing nature of a river on its journey to the sea. The ensemble work was superb, every move having line and purpose, and synchronised to a breath. That said, Duke Ellington’s wonderful music is challenging. It changes mood, pace and emotion throughout the piece, something that the dancers did not pick-up sufficiently on, dancing at times in monotone emotions, rather than reflecting the score’s vibrant colours. Coral Dolphin gave her all and, as a new member, is a huge asset to the company. It was just unfortunate that one dancer was a little ‘off-piste’, as wobbles and poor landings were amplified against the high level of technical competence from everyone else.

Pas de Duke (the Duke being Ellington, five tunes of whose accompany it), was originally created in 1976 as a showcase for Judith Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Here, it was danced to perfection by Jacquelin Harris and Patrick Coker. Every move imbued with purpose and humour.

In Cry, veteran Ailey dancer, Constance Stamatiou, took us on an emotional journey of motherhood. She danced with grace although I found the numerous whirls repetitive, and her costume flouncing overdone, while the significance of the veil never fulfilled its early promise.

Revelations is considered Ailey’s signature piece and, sixty years on, is still astonishingly original and powerful. The company danced their lives, their ancestors’ lives, their hopes, and their dreams so beautifully that they could not fail to take us, the audience, with them. Again, the ensemble work was outstanding, every moment imbued with meaning and executed to technical perfection. The rousing finale had the audience on its feet, and we were then treated to a reprise.

It was a fine evening but special mention must be given to Ronni Favors and Clifton Brown, rehearsal and assistant rehearsal directors respectively. This level of superb ensemble dancing does not come without equally great leadership in the rehearsal studio.

The lighting by Chenault Spence (River, Pas de Duke, Cry) and Nicola Cernovitch (Revelations) added just the right tones, and gave depth to the various background projections.

As Stamatiou says in the programme notes “…this was such an amazing performance you have to go.”

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are at Sadler’s Wells, London to September 16, 2023.

Ailey 2 tour the UK from September 19 to October 28, 2023. Visit danceconsortium.com for dates, venues and details.