The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is making waves in Chicago this month with the first of its two-day Ailey Extension at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, teaching locals the fine art of dance straight from the pros. Glenn Allen Sims, who danced with the company for 23 years, is one of the professionals imparting wisdom and passion for dance, saying, "Dance is a part of who I am and it is something as seamless as walking down the street," in a statement obtained by WGN-TV. Chicagoans can look forward to the theater's performances coming up from March 7-9 at the Auditorium Theater.
Meanwhile, the nationwide tour honors the legacy of artistic director emerita Judith Jamison, who made her mark on the company and passed away last November, bringing to light their celebration of Black artistry across 18 cities, including upcoming performances in D.C.'s Kennedy Center and Atlanta's Fox Theatre, and the excitement doesn't stop there as the tour will also reach cities like Cleveland; Greenville; Charlotte; Charleston, Philadelphia; and Newark among other cities. The tour features new productions and world premieres, such as Ronald K. Brown's "Grace" and Matthew Rushing's "Sacred Songs," in addition to the powerful "Revelations," an intimate reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the African American community and Ailey's childhood memories in Texas, with the company suggesting, "audiences in every city will be inspired by the power of Alvin Ailey’s must-see American masterpiece," as described by Forbes.
Back in Chicago, the Ailey Extension is a chance for dancers of all levels to try something new and learn from the very best – Joey Armstrong, a participant, told WGN-TV, "I just want to try something new and have a fun experience." This sentiment is echoed by Jaelynn Selph, another dancer, who is eager to absorb all she can from the variety of dance genres on offer. Tyra Outlaw, inspired by the late Jamison, expressed the importance of representation in dance, saying, "When someone else who looks like you and has probably faced a lot more challenges than you have, it gives you hope that you also can do it," in a statement obtained by WGN-TV.
Not stopping at performances, the Ailey organization is also enriching the cultural landscape through an eight-part documentary series titled "Portrait of Ailey," set to be available for free on PBS LearningMedia, giving viewers a deep dive into Ailey's multifaceted life as a performer, choreographer, and advocate for the arts. Ailey II, the company's second arm, will continue its tour, hitting venues from Albuquerque to Kansas City, and Miami before wrapping up with a season run back in NYC from March 26 to April 6, 2025. This all-encompassing tour showcases not just breathtaking dance performances, but also emphasizes Ailey's commitment to dance education and community programs throughout its prestigious history, as chronicled by Forbes.
