'Tis the season to watch virtual dance and music shows from your sofa. During the Christmas period, there are many to choose from. In December the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre began its groundbreaking new season – completely online – called "Ailey Forward", with new pieces created, choreographed and performed during the pandemic with Covid-19 and social distancing in mind. One of the people behind this giant leap for the company is Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing.
He speaks to Eve Jackson about reimagining dance without touch and the relevance of Ailey's signature work "Revelations" from 1960 at the height of the civil rights movement, which pays tribute to the African-American heritage.
They also talk about the company's new creations, including Rushing's own piece called "Testament", "A Jam Session for Troubling Times" set to the music of Charlie Parker and "Pas de Duke" filmed on the top of the landmark Woolworth building as a breathtaking love letter to New York City, set to music by Duke Ellington.
