Divining by Judith Jamison

Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison’s first choreographic success displays the musical sophistication and complexity of movement that marked her as a promising dancemaker. African polyrhythms lend the work an air of mystery and mysticism while the title suggests a search or quest. Created in 1984, five years before Jamison’s ascent to artistic director of the Ailey company, the piece is set to the music of Kimati Dinizulu and Monti Ellison, and builds on a variety of dance idioms from throughout Africa to create a pulsating, strikingly modern work. At its premiere, The New York Times gave special praise to Jamison’s “invention of movement shapes and movement quality that give the piece a fascinating originality.” #AlvinAiley #Dance