Alvin Ailey Afternoon #sol16

My summer program had extra tickets to the annual Alvin Ailey performance. I didn’t hesitate when I replied, offering up a prayer that I could make it work with E.

From Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations.” Photo from Alvin Ailey.org

I have always had a deep appreciation for the arts. I played the violin from fourth or fifth grade through the summer before college and was decent enough to make a few selective orchestras in high school. But I haven’t picked up my violin much since then, and I am frustrated enough when I have picked it up over the last few years that I haven’t continued. A part of me thinks it would be more than delightful to play a few tunes for E every now and then. I have a feeling that will compel me to try one more time. That experience being part of an orchestra nurtured my love for music, made me understand that notes played just right could bring a person to tears…

I felt that way this afternoon while watching Alvin Ailey. The human body is a magnificent instrument, and seeing the synergy of dancers and music found me on wiping my eyes several times. Prior to the performance starting, I fretted about E, given that he was little and chatty–a toddler, and I was bringing him along to yet another function that was not necessarily of his choosing. Yet, he was mesmerized, too. He noticed the lights, the colors, the “dancing,” and clapped along with the audience. I was amazed that the audience was so composed throughout…I couldn’t help tapping my feet, swaying, humming into the top of E’s hair. I have seen Ailey a few times and am stunned by Revelations; it’s as if I am seeing it for the first time at every experience. I think I’m moved on different levels, and they grow deeper as I get older.

What made it possible, too, was the two intermissions throughout the performance, making it okay to watch one act, then walk around, watch another, do something else, then exhale, exhale, exhale for the final act.

I’d like to make this an annual tradition, this taking E to Alvin Ailey whenever the company is in town. That can be our thing, to be moved, to have our souls healed, together.