Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to Perform at Benedum (Tues., 5/9/23)

Alvin Ailey Dance Theater’s ‘Revelations’ is one of the works that will be danced onstage at Benedum Center this month. (Photo: ©Paul Kolnik)

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER (dance) three modern dances choreographed by Kyle Abraham, Jamar Roberts, and Alvin Ailey, respectively. Pittsburgh Dance Council at Benedum Center, May 9.

For one night only, this world-renowned dance company founded by Alvin Ailey in 1989 returns to Pittsburgh for the first time since 2005. Now under the artistic direction of Robert Battle, the company will perform two 2022 world premieres and a classic work created by Alvin Ailey when he was 29. Are You in Your Feelings? is Kyle Abraham’s newest work exploring Black culture. It is scored to a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and soul, featuring music by artists such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, Jazmine Sullivan, and Summer Walker. Jamar Roberts’ In a Sentimental Mood also premiered last year. Scored to the original composition by Duke Ellington (as well as four other classic jazz standards), the night’s second dance explores the depths of love and desire between a young and very intimate couple. And then comes the finale. First performed more than 60 years ago, Ailey’s own Revelations is his masterpiece, seen by more people internationally than any other work of modern dance. This once visionary piece reflects mankind’s deepest grief and greatest joy through African-American religious spirituals, a platform on which Ailey proved his young genius. At Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. 8 p.m. on May 9 only. (C.P.O.)

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