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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2024)
February 21, 2024 Page 7 BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024 Arts & ENTERTAINMENT Bringing Stories to Life through Dance A Breathtaking Experience White Bird Brings the Legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to Portland's Keller Auditorium for Two Stunning 65th Anniversary Season As part of its 65th anniversary season, the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Keller Auditorium in Portland, OR, for two distinct programs presented by White Bird on March 12 and 13. This marks the company's sixth appearance with White Bird, and each has left audiences moved by the pro- found artistry and emotional depth showcased on stage. Start- ing at 7:30 PM, each performance showcases the Company's diverse repertoire and culminates with Al- vin Ailey’s signature masterpiece Revelations, acclaimed a must- see for all. Since its premiere in 1960, this timeless classic has consistently enraptured audiences all over the world with its perfect blend of reverent grace and spiri- tual elation. One of the most wide- ly seen pieces in modern dance, Revelations pays homage to and reflects the cultural heritage of the African American experience. On Tuesday, March 12, the pro- gram begins with Following the Subtle Current Upstream, a capti- vating piece by Alonzo King that mirrors life’s tumultuous waves, symbolizing the natural inclina- tion of all things to return to their origins. The evening continues with an all-female production of Ode, a profound and introspec- tive work by former Ailey danc- er Jamar Roberts which reflects on the fragility and preciousness of life in a time of growing gun violence. The following eve- ning, Wednesday, March 13, the company presents another mixed bill featuring a season world pre- miere and two new productions of beloved works. Audiences will be treated to Ronald K. Brown’s Dancing Spirit - avibrant tribute to Ailey Artistic Director Emeri- ta Judith Jamison, capturing her enduring influence and spirit. Me, Myself and You, a dreamlike duet created for this season by former Ailey dancer Elizabeth Rox- as-Dobrish, explores themes of love and passion with a haunting reminiscence. The dynamic tour de force Solo by Hans van Ma- nen, showcases the Ailey men's remarkable agility and grace in an exhilarating whirlwind of movement and musicality. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Con- gressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassa- dor to the World,” grew from a now‐fabled March 1958 perfor- mance in New York that changed forever the perception of Amer- ican dance. Founded by Alvin Ailey, posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Free- dom—the nation’s highest civil- ian honor, and guided by Judith Jamison beginning in 1989, the Company was then led by Robert Battle from 2011 to 2023. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on six continents, promoting the uniqueness of the African Amer- ican cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tra- dition. For more information, vis- it www.alvinailey.org. North by Northeast honors and celebrates Black History Month North by Northeast Community Health Center is the only clinic in Oregon devoted to African American health. We provide welcoming, high quality health care to adults who have Oregon Health Plan. Since 2006, our priority has been to serve the local African American community and to reduce the deadly effects of high blood pressure and diabetes. We are accepting new patients, and if you’re uninsured, we can help you get covered! To make an appointment or learn about our services, contact us: www.nxneclinic.org (503) 287-4932 714 NE Alberta Street Portland, Oregon 97211
