American company shares its enthusiasm for dance with the Swiss

Americans dance to funk jazz on Swiss tour Keystone

One of the leading companies of the international modern dance circuit - the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - is currently touring Switzerland.

With routines described as “funk jazz” and members whose fitness and energy match their obvious pleasure in dancing, the troupe has a worldwide following thanks to its frequent tours – and television appearances.

The exuberance of the dancers on stage owe much to the idealistic approach of the company’s founder Alvin Ailey – who died in 1989.

Judith Jamison, who he appointed to succeed him shortly before his death, says she is carrying on a tradition of encouraging women to choreograph, and recruiting dancers from the black community.

And frequent performances on television ensure that the message of dance reaches as wide a public as possible.

The tour repertoire includes “Grace” by the young choreographer, Ronald K.Brown, and “Diving”, a piece especially created for the company, and a homage to the late Duke Ellington.

After performances in Lausanne, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater goes on Zurich on October 11 and then Basel from October 17 to 22.

swissinfo with agencies