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Dancers on stage in a lively performance, with two male dancers in front striking a dynamic pose while others surround them. A trumpet player is centered among the dancers. The background features a black and white cityscape with signs like Club Carousel, 3 Deuces, and Birdland. A disco ball hangs above, adding to the vibrant, colorful atmosphere.

Repertory

For 'Bird'—With Love

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

WORLD PREMIERE

Folly Theater, Kansas City, 1984

MUSIC

Coleridge Taylor Perkinson

LIGHTING

Timothy Hunter

SET & COSTUME DESIGN

Randy Barcelo

MUSICAL STYLE

Jazz

RUN TIME

  • 46 minutes

From all of us forever touched by his magic. 

A tribute to the great jazz musician Charlie “Bird” Parker, For ‘Bird’—With Love brings the audience back to the relaxed atmosphere of an after-hours jam session at a local jazz club. The dancers emulate Parker's swing-based style and knack for improvisation while dressed to the nines. In the bejeweled costumes designed by Randy Barceló, the company revels in the sounds of Parker himself, along with Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Jerome Kern. 

Dancers on stage in a lively performance, with two male dancers in front striking a dynamic pose while others surround them. A trumpet player is centered among the dancers. The background features a black and white cityscape with signs like Club Carousel, 3 Deuces, and Birdland. A disco ball hangs above, adding to the vibrant, colorful atmosphere.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's For 'Bird"—With Love Photo by Paul Kolnik

Dancers on stage in a lively performance, with two male dancers in front kicking high while others are seated or standing in elegant costumes. The background features a black and white cityscape with signs like Club Carousel, 3 Deuces, and Birdland. The lighting creates a vibrant, colorful atmosphere.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's For 'Bird"—With Love Photo by Paul Kolnik

A man in a white suite is center stage, surrounded by a group of women in red dresses and everyone is jumping in the air with their legs in a split.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's For Bird - With Love Photo by Paul Kolnik

Music Credits

“A Night In Tunisia” performed by Charlie Parker and John (Dizzy) Gillespie, composed by Coleridge - Taylor Perkinson

Hero Credit: Photo by Paul Kolnik