Wade in the Water Blog

Alvin Ailey's Dance Troupe's performance was majoratively interpretive in telling/expressing the story of which "Wade in the Water" speaks. The movements, while mostly elegan, become abrupt and aggressive in times of necessary emphasis in regards to the struggle for freedom. Like the culture of the song itself, many of the dances were in sync with songs aimed at portraying a more religious or spiritual message to the audience. The movements and issues being expressed are a throwback to tradition with many movements and most of the music reflecting an African tradition carried over and acclamated into an American culture. The entire performance had segments where focus would be set only on one or two dancers as a means not only to highlight the skillful movement but also for a chance to reveal the "swagger" (ie: elements of cool) within the work/performance.