Celebrations and Revelations

In the past 50 years, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (www.alvinailey.org) has performed all over the world, at the White House, on Sesame Street, at Studio 54 and at the Olympics, and Alvin Ailey himself received the United Nations Peace Medal in 1982. As you can see from just this list of accomplishments, Ailey and his company weren't (and aren't) mere dancers — they are humanitarians. Though AAADT lost its founder in 1989 (Ailey died at the age of 58), the company carries on its mission of elevating American modern dance with a celebration tour honoring its 50th year. Catch one of two concerts in St. Louis — or better yet, check out both — when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the Fox Theatre (527 North Grand Boulevard) at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (April 11 and 12). Both shows feature Ailey's masterpiece Revelations, choreographed in 1960, but the similarities between the nights end there (see why you should attend both?). To celebrate one of America's great, vibrant, expressive treasures, buy tickets ($30 to $65) by calling 314-534-1111 or visiting www.metrotix.com.
Fri., April 11; Sat., April 12, 2008