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SPA Houston: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

We should all look this good at 50

A A A Comments By Olivia Flores Alvarez Thursday, Mar 26 2009

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s signature work, Revelations, is one of the most well-known pieces in contemporary dance. Even the 1976 photo that captured the ballet’s highlight (dancer Judith Jamison with her right leg swinging effortlessly high above her head, while she stands in a flowing white dress) has become an icon. It’s Jamison, who went on to become the company’s artistic director after Ailey’s death, who brings the company to Houston now as part of its 50th anniversary. And yes, Revelationsis on the program. So is Suite Otis, a collection of six dances set to the music of Otis Redding including “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” and “Try a Little Tenderness,” and Go in Grace, accompanied with an onstage performance by a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock. (A little Alvin Ailey trivia: 1. Ailey was born in Texas. 2. There’s an Alvin Ailey Barbie doll, and she’s costumed in a Revelations-like dress. 3. This is Jamison’s last planned visit to Houston as AD; she retires in 2011.) 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Society for the Performing Arts, Jones Hall 615 Louisiana. For information, call 713-227-4SPA or visit www.spahouston.org. $20 to $60.