The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater adheres to the old saying that “the show must go on.” Their response to shelter in place during the pandemic is a new online initiative.
“Ailey All Access” brings dance into your home, streaming performances, classes, workshops and conversations with Ailey dancers.
The first performance launched Monday with a film of Ailey’s signature piece, “Revelations.”
“City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with artistic director Robert Battle by Zoom on Monday, and he began by explaining why March 30 is an important date for the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.
“It’s the anniversary of the legendary first performance at 92nd Street for the beginning of the company. Here we are 62 years later. The company started in unprecedented times on the cusp of the civil rights movement, and so we think it’s fitting that we give access to our audiences, to new audiences who need some sense of hope,” Battle said.
