Dallas Black Dance TheatreI Premieres Escapades

Dallas Black Dance Theatre Premiers Work of Dance Legend

35^th Anniversary Spring Celebration Series Features Escapades

Work of Legendary Choreographer Alvin Ailey

May 17-20

To conclude the 35^th Anniversary Season, Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) will perform Escapades, a work of renowned choreographer Alvin Ailey. DBDT has received the rights to perform the full piece in its entirety making them the only professional dance company with the work as a part of its current repertory. Former Ailey dancer, Christopher Huggins, restaged the work for the DBDT Spring Celebration Series. Huggins was a member of the original Ailey cast that premiered the work in New York and was selected by Sylvia Waters, the administrator of the ballet, to set the piece for DBDT..

The ballet was originally choreographed by Mr. Ailey for the Aterballeto – Centro Regionale Della Danza of Italy in 1983 and set to a score by jazz legend Max Roach. Famous artist and designer Carol Vollet Kingston, the original costumer for the ballet often speaks of the excitement during the premiere week in Italy. According to Kingston, both she and Roach were summoned to Italy for the debut by Ailey himself.

A suite of four dances, the piece tells a love story through a combination of modern, jazz and ballet techniques. The central couple is continually surrounded by duets and quartets of dancers who effortlessly move in and out of earthy sensuality and graceful lyricism. When the work premiered originally, the New York Times called it, “breathtaking in its invention.”

Dallas Black Dance Theatre will also celebrate the 35^th Anniversary on Saturday, May 19^th with a special night of festivities. After the performance, the Wyly Theatre will be transformed to represent each of the decades in the life of DBDT. Live music will be played on four floors of the venue for the Gala Finale.

The Spring Celebration Series takes place May 17-20 at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. Ticket prices begin at $15 (except the Gala Finale) and may be purchased online at www.dbdt.com or by calling 214-880-0202.