Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: 'The Holy Blues' and 'Grace' at BAM

'The Holy Blues' Premiere

• 🎭 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is presenting its season finale at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).
• 🎶 The centerpiece is the world premiere of 'The Holy Blues,' a work inspired by Alvin Ailey's journal entries and his roots in the Gospel Church.
• 💡 The piece aims to explore the suffering, trauma, and resilience inherent in the human experience, drawing from gospel music and blues traditions.

Choreographic Journey of Samantha Figgins

• 🌟 Samantha Figgins, an AILEY dancer for over 10 seasons, shares her experience as co-choreographer of 'The Holy Blues.'
• 🤝 She highlights the collaborative process with renowned choreographers and fellow company members.
• 🚀 Figgins sees this role as a significant step in her artistic journey, carrying forward Ailey's legacy.

Inspiration and Artistic Process

• 📜 Inspiration for 'The Holy Blues' comes directly from Alvin Ailey's journal entries, focusing on the lessons learned from life's highs and lows.
• 🗣️ The creative process involved deep dives into gospel and blues music, personal family stories from elders, and observations of the contemporary world.
• 🌍 Figgins emphasizes that art serves as a mirror to society, reflecting the current generation's experiences.

Celebrating 'Grace' at 25 Years

• ✨ The season also marks the 25th anniversary of the revival of Ronald K. Brown's 'Grace,' originally commissioned by Judith Jamison.
• 💫 Figgins describes performing in 'Grace' as a full-circle moment, having watched senior members perform it when she first joined the company.
• 💖 'Grace' is highlighted as a fan favorite and a revered work that offers another perspective on the human experience.

Getting Tickets

• 🎟️ Audiences can purchase tickets for the performances at BAM by visiting bam.org.