Since his death in 1989, Alvin Ailey's vision of modern dance has continued to flourish in the hands of Judith Jamison and the incredible dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This year, the company celebrates its 50th anniversary with a tour that is bringing Alvin Ailey's fusion of power, grace and artistry to UMass-Amherst.
When Ailey began performing in 1958, the uniquely African-American style of his choreography changed the perception of American dance. Using dance to convey his cultural experiences as an African-American in the mid-1900s, Ailey created a phenomenon that has spread across the globe. His troupe has performed in 71 countries on six continents, earning a reputation as a cultural ambassador to the world.
May 13, 7:30 p.m., Fine Arts Center, UMass-Amherst, (413) 545-4482, www.umass.edu/fac.
