Alvin Ailey dance company brings 65th anniversary tour to Nashville

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of America's most beloved dance companies widely known as a a global ambassador of American culture having performed in 71 countries on six continents, is bringing its 2024 tour celebrating the company's 65th anniversary to Nashville's TPAC April 26-28.

Ailey himself was respected for creating his own works, but also for allowing creative space for younger choreographers to explore. This tour carries on his legacy by featuring several Ailey classic works along with season premieres by choreographers Amy Hall Garner and Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish.

"For our 65th anniversary it was important for us to remember where we came from and what shoulders we stand on," Interim Artistic Director Matthew. Rushing told The Tennessean. "It's also important to preserve the tradition of American modern dance. No matter how forward we move, it's important to withhold this tradition because without it, we wouldn't be where we are today."

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The tour also celebrates one of Ailey's mantras that dance came from the people and should be delivered back to the people. Everyone involved, from dancers to choreographers, is rallying around this vision, Rushing said.

"There's something about coming back to the theater and not only experiencing dance in a way you’ve never experienced it before, but also when you come and see something familiar, you see yourself in it," he said. "Whether its the music, the style of dance or you see people who look like you, it’s is so affirming. You can come to an Ailey performance and see your own life experiences."

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One of Ailey's works that will be part of the Nashville show is "Revelations" which he choreographed in 1960 based on the religious heritage of his childhood in south Texas. Credited with having been seen by more people around the world than any other modern dance work, "Revelations" is full of powerful storytelling and pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African American community.

This 60-year-old classic is combined with newer works that still rely on Ailey's mantra of dance as a vehicle to tell an impactful story.

Kyle Abraham's "Are You in Your Feelings" celebrates Black music and its impact on culture, while Garner's "CENTURY" tells the story of her grandfather turning 100 years old in New Orleans.

"Kyle uses pop songs and old R&B songs that can allow multiple generations to come to the theater and find a familiar song all in one piece," Rushing said. "While Amy grew up in New Orleans, where music is a huge thing. She chose specific music from big band jazz music from Ellington, Count Basie and ray Charles. Both are iconic, familiar works that have come from the past but are now being presented in a contemporary way."

While Rushing knows each person in the audience will see their own life experiences in these works, what he mainly wants to get across is that dance doesn't have to be elitist. It's for everyone.

"I want people to leave these performances encouraged, affirmed, inspired, excited and elevated," he said. "I think those things are very important. Ailey is a dance company for everyone. It's that company you could probably invite the uncle who'd rather be at a baseball game and he'd still come and enjoy himself."

If you go:

What: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

When: April 26-28

Where: Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Tickets: www.tpac.org

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings 65th anniversary show to TPAC