Spring Arts: Dance
Our picks for the city's can't-miss dance events
By Brangien Davis and Dana Standish February 8, 2011
3/25–3/27
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
This mixed-repertory program includes a celebration of 50 years of “Revelations,” Ailey’s signature work, in which dancers trace the African-American transition from slavery to freedom via movement set to blues, gospel and spiritual music. By far Ailey’s most heralded, popular work, “Revelations” displays the company’s unique blending of modern, jazz and African dance traditions—watch for upwardly arced arms and faces flung skyward—and in the process reveals the painful tribulations and soaring triumphs of the human spirit. Times and prices vary. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave.; 206.625.1900; 5thavenue.org
3/31–4/2
Trisha Brown Dance Company
Avant-garde choreographer and Aberdeen native Trisha Brown brings a distinctly modern aesthetic to her old stomping ground with this performance of selected works from her iconic catalog. Since its founding in 1970, Brown’s company has become known for stretching the boundaries of viewer perceptions—previous works have included pieces for dancers who float on rafts, and those who walk on walls while attached to gravity-defying harnesses. Don’t miss your chance to experience the swingy, loose-limbed work of this MacArthur “Genius” Award winner and Northwest treasure. Times and prices vary. Meany Hall, University of Washington, 15th Avenue NE & NE 40th Street; 206.543.4880; meany.org
4/8–4/17
Pacific Northwest Ballet
PNB reprises one of George Balanchine’s most enduringly beautiful creations with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, based on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy about the contretemps, misunderstandings and reconciliations between two pairs of lovers who unwittingly wander into the realm of the of the fairies. The production—originally staged for PNB in 1997 by founding artistic director Francia Russell—includes Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” and a spellbinding enchanted forest concocted by Tony Award–winning costume designer Martin Pakledinaz. Lovers, a jackass and fairies—oh my! Times and prices vary. McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St.; 206.441.2424; pnb.org
4/28–4/30
Catherine Cabeen and Company
A cavalcade of impressive Northwest talent collaborated on Into the Void, the new ensemble work by local choreographer Catherine Cabeen. Seattle’s fashion it-boy Michael Cepress designed costumes, stellar installation artist Susan Robb contributed sculpture, skyrocketing video artist Tivon Rice worked on digital media, and the renowned Kane Mathis, master of the 21-stringed West African kora, provided music. And that’s not to mention Cabeen herself, who trained with the Martha Graham Company and danced with Bill T. Jones. That’s a whole lotta Northwest goodness wrapped into one performance. $20. 8 p.m. On the Boards, 100 W Roy St.; 206.217.9888; ontheboards.org