Alvin Ailey American Dance Theaterยs signature work, Revelations, is one of the most well-known pieces in contemporary dance. Even the 1976 photo that captured the balletยs 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. Itยs Jamison, who went on to become the companyยs artistic director after Aileyยs death, who brings the company to Houston now as part of its 50th anniversary. And yes, Revelations is on the program. So is Suite Otis, a collection of six dances set to the music of Otis Redding including ยIยve Been Loving You Too Longย and ยTry a Little Tenderness,ย 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. Thereยs an Alvin Ailey Barbie doll, and sheยs costumed in a Revelations-like dress. 3. This is Jamisonยs 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.
March 27-28, 8 p.m.; Sun., March 29, 2 p.m., 2009
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2009.