The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will host its annual performances this week at Memorial Hall. And once again, both shows are sold out of student tickets.
The company was founded in 1958 by Alvin Ailey who, along with other African American dancers, sought to celebrate African-American dancing and its influences.
“The company is wildly popular amongst our patrons and draws an emotional response with each piece they perform,” said Darah Whyte, Carolina Performing Arts’ spokesperson.
The company has been coming to Chapel Hill since CPA’s 2006 to 2007 season, and is not only a favorite for Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill is a favorite for the company. The company has performed for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents, as well as millions more through television broadcasts.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is considered a repertory company, which means it is creating new work and ballets by a variety of choreographers constantly.
“I think that’s why our audiences continue to come back — because there’s always something new to experience when they see an Alvin Ailey performance,” said the show's lighting director Al Crawford, who is originally from North Carolina.
Shortly before his death in 1989, Ailey turned the ropes over to Judith Jamison. Jamison ran the company for 21 years, and then in 2011, named Robert Battle her successor.
Audience members at the shows this week can expect to see a piece titled "Awakening," the first piece Battle's directed since he took the position.
Battle also handpicks the dancers for the shows. Each dancer has unique backgrounds and diverse experiences.