December 16, 2011
Join Alvin Ailey Dec. 18 to Benefit Dancers Responding to AIDS
Steve Weinstein READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which is having a terrific season, will pack the entire season's new works into one night. At 7:30 Sunday evening , Dec. 18, experience all of the great premiers packed into one performance. What's even better is that proceeds are benefitting Dancers Responding to AIDS, part of Equity Fights AIDS.
If you've never experienced Ailey's extraordinary dancers, this is the perfect showcase. Their brilliant artistry and passionate spirit is on display in this series of exciting premieres. There's Artistic Director Robert Battle fiery "Takademe"; a piece by the head of that other essential New York-based modern dance troupe, choreographic legend Paul Taylor, called "Arden Court"; and Ohad Naharin's inventive "Minus 16."
Of special interest is "Home," the electrifying new dance by hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris, inspired by the stories of people living with or affected by HIV. "Home" is being performed in memory of Alvin Ailey himself, who died of the disease. It incorporates hip-hop and other "recreational dancing" idioms.
Don't think that a benefit gala like this is only for the swells in the orchestra, either. Tickets prices start at only $25. Go to the New York City Center Box Office, on West 55th Street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues, or go to 212-581-1212, Ailey's own website or the City Center website.
Steve Weinstein has been a regular correspondent for the International Herald Tribune, the Advocate, the Village Voice and Out. He has been covering the AIDS crisis since the early '80s, when he began his career. He is the author of "The Q Guide to Fire Island" (Alyson, 2007).
