Cure What Ailey-s You

Picture a half-dozen dancers floating to center stage, moving in seamless precision as one unified body while their long, lean muscles contract, relax, and evoke memories of the legend responsible for bringing modern dance to the masses and African-American dancers to the concert halls. This Thursday through Sunday, you won’t have to imagine the magic, because members of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will leap across the stage in celebration of the troupe's 50th anniversary. The company has a long, rich history of translating society's bright spots as well as its ills through a physical language that needs no interpreter, and this golden moment in time will be feted through performances in cities across the globe.

When the elite dancers — including homegrown hoofers Amos J. Machanic Jr., Jamar Roberts, and Yusha-Marie Sorzano — hit town, you can bet the troupe's trademark grace, beauty, and power will be on display. New and classic productions from the company's illustrious existence will be performed, and this time you won't need basic cable to find out who's America's Best Dance Crew.
Thu., April 16, 8 p.m., 2009