By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
Fresh off the heels of a five-week opening in New York City, and a brief hiatus to heal tender shins and ankles, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has launched its 20-city U.S. tour with Washington, D.C. as its first stop.
With 11 provocative and emotionally charged performances, one of the world’s most popular dance companies is poised to showcase its talented group from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8.
For two of the seasoned performers, Corrin Rachelle Mitchell and Samantha Figgins, it will be a homecoming as both women are from the area – Mitchell from Baltimore, and Figgins a native Washingtonian.
This year, instead of performing at the Kennedy Center, the venue has moved to the historic Warner Theatre, known for more than a century as the District’s monument to entertainment. Though the location has moved what has not changed is what fans can expect – fresh and intricately choreographed pieces in tow, including several world premieres, and of course classics like Ailey’s signature piece, “Revelations,” which for decades has remained a favorite Ailey work and the company’s encore piece.
Alicia Graf Mack, who was named artistic director in July, acknowledged the significance of being selected to lead the historic dance company.
“I am grateful and honored to be a caretaker of this ever-changing continuum of inspiration, along with Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing and the company of brilliant dancers whose artistry will move us all as we take our next steps forward to build upon the vital tradition Mr. Ailey gave us and the gifts Judith Jamison so lovingly nurtured,” she said. “It is also personally meaningful for me to launch this special tour in Washington, D.C., where I experienced the magic of Ailey when I was an aspiring dancer filled with so many dreams that have now come to fruition.”
Dancers anxious to return home and showcase their skills on stage
Members of the company with ties to the area are proud to return to the area where they first took interest in dance.
Mitchell, who joined the company in 2019 and recently turned 30, said dance has always been her passion.
“My mother was my first dance teacher – she and my father owned a dance company in the Baltimore area in Randallstown, so dance and the arts have always been in my life. Both my sister and I danced since our formative years and for me, if music was playing, I was dancing,” she said.
Figgins, a dancer with the company for 11 years and a choreographer, said she’s excited about the new repertoire and the new energy within the company—particularly with the addition of Mack.
“Dance has always been my passion, and I am grateful for it being in my life,” Figgins said. “Truthfully, dance represents my lifeline and has afforded me a safe space because I am hearing impaired. Dance became my first language and it’s the language of the body where I feel most at home.”
Figgins has been dancing for as long as she can remember along with her twin sister who is also a dancer. But when she entered high school at Duke Ellington in D.C., she knew she had found her niche.
“Those halls could tell some amazing stories and it’s a place that provides awesome networks,” she said. “I learned so much there and still love the memories I made there and the friendships I forged.”
Mitchell noted that while it may seem that she lives a glamorous life, being part of the Ailey tradition requires hard work, discipline and the ability to delay the joys of life that many take for granted.
“I’ve been going out on auditions and rehearsing since I was a little girl and my sister is dancing now on Broadway as part of the Michael Jackson show, so we both understand the demands,” she said. “My parents met at the Baltimore Lyric Opera while performing Porgy and Bess, so our family is a singing and dancing kind of unit. But it’s hard sometimes because you can’t just take off and go home or enjoy holidays and vacations with your friends and family. Yes, the show must go on. Still, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Figgins echoed her colleague’s sentiments.
“When I describe my life to those closest to me, I have to be honest and say that while I am loving the adventure, there are those moments that are not so sweet,” she said. “To be good at our craft, and especially to be part of the Ailey family, takes sacrifice. However, we have the opportunity to share what we love so profoundly with the world.”
“Yes, I miss simple things like sleeping in my own bed back home and playing with my pets,”said Figgins, “But I’m an Alvin Ailey dancer. And as long as it lasts, I’m up to the task and the joy that comes each day.”
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