What Moves You?

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater moves me.

Okay, so "What Moves You?" is the Atlanta Ballet tag line.  I think it's awesome and certainly I appreciate the Atlanta Ballet.  I enjoy pretty much all forms of dance when done well (or, you know, when it's really bad it's often enjoyable in a different way).  I grew up dancing and dance at every chance I get - at a wedding or just in our living room.  I'm not necessarily great at every kind of dance, but I can appreciate it.

As I mentioned before, Michael and I attended the Alvin Ailey performance  (watch the clips from the 8 p.m. Saturday performances for a small taste of what we experienced) this past Saturday at the Fox Theatre.  We had good seats, which always helps at a performance that focuses on movement in particular. As I sat enjoying the first performance, I thought about the music, costume choices and obviously the movement elements that made up "Anointed," I made the super-intelligent guess that I was likely enjoying it more than Michael.  As we discussed it during intermission, this thought was confirmed.  Michael did like all of the performances, but I think I appreciate dance the way he appreciates basketball or football.  I can watch the game and root for my team, but he truly appreciates the elements - the difficulty of the plays, the coaches' decisions, the clock management, etc. the way I appreciate dance.  Having been a dancer myself, I absorb the performance in a different way than my husband.

And boy did I enjoy it and boy was I moved!  It was amazing to me.  I appreciate dance for the sake of dance.  It doesn't have to be a classical ballet, though I certainly enjoy them, too.  In fact, the last classical performance I saw was "Dracula," and it was good.  But it was not as good as "BIG," the performance also by the Atlanta Ballet, but set to the music of Big Boi and the artists on his record label.  I would have gone to that show over and over if I could have afforded it.  Anyway, the speed and grace of the dancers combined with their strength, precise movements, agility and spirit made for the best live performance I've seen of anything in recent memory.

I'd seen Alvin Ailey's classic "Revelations" before in dance class on a television, but nothing compares to the live show.  I just wish it could have been longer.  But I felt the soul and Michael said he was truly moved by that one, too.

I can't wait to take Libby to these sorts of things...  I just hope she enjoys them, too!

In the meantime, do yourself a favor and get to a quality live dance performance.  I suggest Alvin Ailey.  It's good for the soul.