Article Summary #7

Alvin Ailey enjoying a swinging renaissance with 'Uptown'

On Tuesday night the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater graced the Opera House stage at the Kennedy Center. The performance was spectacular. This is the first time in a while that the company has sold out the performance ahead of time. The opening night, which was Tuesday, is usually filled with a combination of electrifying dance and money collecting. On opening night there is a benefit gala, so many patrons come bearing money to give away towards the arts. The Ailey Company has such a broad appeal; they are easily able to bring together a multitude of people to support.
According to this review, the best part of the show came after intermission when the company performed the piece "Uptown," choreographed by Matthew Rushing. Matthew is actually a current member of the company performing his 18th season; however, after enduring an injury to his calf, Matthew was forced to a leave of absence for a short period of time heal his injury. Upon his absence Matthew engaged in much research regarding the Harlem Renaissance which took place during the 1920's and 1930's. Through his research he choreographed this piece to reflect the African American culture that thrived during this era. He captured the swing dancing rent parties and also intricate rhythm pattern that the dancer catch while maintaining the boppiness feeling. Other segments of the piece lend themselves to important individuals during the time such as Zora Neale Hurston and Josephine Baker and Ethel Waters. "Uptown" is piece of work that many companies desire to have in today's society. It is a story that "unfurls a story, with vivid characters that tell us about themselves without the help of complicated program notes but solely -- and significantly -- in the way they dance."

Kaufman, Sarah. "Alvin Ailey enjoying a swinging renaissance with 'Uptown'" Rev. of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The Washington Post 4 Feb. 2010. Web. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020303216.html