One of the most storied dance companies in the country is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year with artists of all ages learning and perfecting the art of dance and movement.
When guests walk into the modern glass building of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in Midtown Manhattan, they enter a large open lobby covered in posters of performers adorning the walls. Classical music, jazz and traditional African drums pours out of different studios throughout the building.
Solomon Dumas is in his eighth season as a dancer with the company. In a small rehearsal room on the sixth floor, he recently rehearsed “For ‘Bird’ With Love,” one of the “Ailey Classics” pieces honoring the jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker.
Wearing a T-shirt and sweats, the 35-year-old Dumas floated across the floor as a dramatic sunlit, skyline view of the city flooded in behind him from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“The most fulfilling part is to have the honor of performing his work, tapping into that human spirit,” Dumas said of Ailey. “What’s most important is that, you know, historically, there was once in our nation’s history where Black people weren’t even considered human. But to see his work, explore and amplify the humanity of Black people and then to see other people connect with that is what’s so genius about Mr. Ailey’s legacy.”
In the spotlight of its anniversary, the dance theater stands as a testament to the transformative power of movement and the enduring legacy of its visionary founder. Beyond the stage, the theater remains a symbol of resilience, inspiring generations and leaving a lasting mark on the world of dance. Six and a half decades later, its impact resonates far beyond the realm of the performing arts.
A Chicago native, Dumas was introduced to dance through Ailey Camp, now in its 35th year, the last project Ailey started before he died in 1989 at 58. Through the camp, Dumas fell in love with dance and all it had to…
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