By Walter Rutledge The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater begins a five-week season on December 1, 2010 at the New York City Center. The season will mark the fiftieth anniversary of Revelation, the masterwork choreographed by company founder Alvin Ailey. In preparation of this milestone the Ailey school’s department of Arts In Education and Community…

by Claude Jay “Just call my name, and I’ll be there”, these lyrics Michael sang from an early hit, “I’ll Be There”, recorded with his brother The Jackson Five. Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, however, we continue to call his name loud and clear because he was there in our lives with…

By Walter Rutledge The 1,2,3 Festival at the Joyce Theatre presented three dance companies over twelve days. Ailey II, Taylor 2 and ABT II took to the stage on alternating days, and on the weekends splitting matinee and evening performances (a testament to the professionalism of the Joyce Theatre staff and crew). Following a shared…

By Walter Rutledge The great dancer and groundbreaking choreographer Martha Graham said, “It takes ten years to make a mature dancer”. Nikita Talin of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo added “And twenty to make a choreographer.” At first glance this statement may seem extreme, considering our present environment of immediate gratification. To become a…