Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Reviews

Dorothy from Mineola, New York

EXHILIRATING & INSPIRING

This was my first experience of an Alvin Ailey performance and I was thrilled and amazed at the talent, energy and overall professionalism of the performers. The dancers exhibit focus and excellence in their roles and I found it to be a wonderful event that, two weeks later, is still running through my mind. In addition, the musical selections enhanced the overall experience perfectly. For those complaining about price, there is no argument that this is money well spent. I have made a resolution to attend future performances whenever possible.

Michelle from Atlanta, Georgia

THEATRICAL PHENOMENON

There performance is the highlight of my year. Culturally stimulating and a joy to watch.

Kim from Los Angeles, California

SPECTACULAR

After years of trying to see this show. I was beyond excited. Great performances! Certainly was not disappointed. It is a must see!👏👏👏👏

Tamara Morris from Chicago, Illinois

MAGNIFICENT

OMG, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This was my first ballet and I was just so amazed. I wish I had not waited til my 50’s to come. I took my daughter and two grandchildren. We all enjoyed it. Well my grandson wasn’t excited but he had the opportunity to see a variety of ethnicity, genders and a ballet. Great experience. And I vowed to see Alvin Ailey whenever they are in Chicago.

Jacqueline W. from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

SPECTACULAR!!!

I was so amazed and impressed with the choreography! The dancers were awesome and I was in awe! I loved every second of each performance. The Company did NOT disappoint and I feel honored to have been able to watch them perform.

M. Hall from Dallas, Texas

AMAZING!

This was my first Alvin Ailey experience. It was truly amazing. I loved the entire show. I was just speechless. I can't wait to experience this again.

Roxanne from Berkeley, CA

MIXED REVIEW

I’ve been going to Alvin Ailey since the early 90’s, every five or so years. This year seemed different. The performance “Cry” was mechanical. It’s like the dancer was saving her energy. And “Revelations” didn’t have dancing that looks spontaneous (even if it’s choreographed). It was missing passion. I took my daughter to share my love for AA and we both left underwhelmed. The first piece “Four” was our favorite.

Cookie from Boston, Massachusetts

PUT THE PONYTAIL AWAY!

I saw Alvin Ailey on May 6, the 2pm show. The first number was outstanding as was Revelations (of course!). The second number, while technically great really did not inspire. This is not the fault of the dancers but any stretch of the imagination, it was just blah (my opinion only). One huge fault was the non POC woman who whipped her hair around when she danced. So annoying. This most certainly intentional, but it do two things: it made my campanion and I avoid looking at her, and 2. when we did, the hair whipping totally distracted from the dancing. This dancer seemed very much out of place. However, I love Alvin Ailey and try to see it every year. The dancing and dancers are just beautiful. I would highly recommend.

Norie Gregory from Cleveland, Ohio

VERY DISAPPOINTED

I have seen this company perform several times and was very excited to see them again, and this time for my birthday. I was very disappointed, this was Not what I expected at all. There were only one or two dancers that stood out, and the only piece that even resembled Alvin Ailey Dance Company, was Revelations, that was good, but not brilliant by any means.

Nicole from Atlanta, Georgia

FEELING/SOUL WAS MISSING!

I've always loved Alvin Ailey's production's! However, this experience only showed dance professionalism. A few dancers you could feel emotion and passion. Everything else came across as just standard. Definitely did not meet my expectations.

Banks from San Francisco, California

DISAPPOINTED

No disrespect to the late Alvin Haley. I've seen better. I'm a huge fan of the show seen Revelation several times each time I love the show except this one time 2024 Dorthy Chandler. Please change the venue. Also the dancers don't seem to be sharp. I'm sorry to say.

Bellinghamster from Los Angeles, California

A DISAPPOINTMENT

After waiting for over 40 years to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in person, I left the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Thursday night drastically underwhelmed. The dancers, for the most part were very good to great. But I can't say the same for the reimagined choreography/production: it ranged from insipid to mediocre. Seasoned Alvin Ailey fans, familiar with the works, applauded and cheered at every breath the dancers took. I was disappointed by the amateurish performance by a professional dance troupe.

Bill from San Francisco

MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT

We've been attending AAD productions at UC Berkeley since 1990. We just saw Program D yesterday on 4/6/24 and am sorry to report what a major disappointment it was. I fear the Company has lost their way with newer material which could be danced by other dance companies, but better. Even the all time triumph "Revelations" lacked precision and emotional connection with the audience. Moreover, the dancer's faces were expresionless most of the time, and didn't relate with the audience. I'm not sure who is in charge since Robert Battle's sudden resignation in the Fall of 2023, but I hope for brighter days ahead for the Company.

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