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Black and white photo of the company performing in Caverna Magica. The dancers are arranged in a dynamic group pose, with flowing skirts and expressive arm movements. Some dancers are shirtless, while others wear fitted tops, capturing a sense of unity and energy.

Repertory

Caverna Magica

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

COMPANY PREMIERE

New York City Center, 1986

WORLD PREMIERE

Royal Danish Ballet, Copenhagen, 1983

ASSISTANT TO CHOREOGRAPHER

Ralph Paul Haze

MUSIC

Andreas Vollenweider ("Caverna Magica," "White Winds," and "Behind the Wall")

DÉCOR & COSTUMES

Carol Vollet Garner

LIGHTING

Timothy Hunter

RUN TIME

20 Minutes

Caverna Magica was originally commissioned by the Royal Danish Ballet in 1983 and then set on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1986. A ritualistic celebration with music by Andreas Wollenweider, it is dramatically designed and visually stunning. The ballet uses an array of colorful scrims that fly in and out, and the 19 dancers are clad in fantastic shades of plum, pink, and rose. Alvin Ailey prepared for this work by first conducting a workshop on students in The Ailey School to devise movement sequences. 

Black and white photo of Marilyn Banks and Gary DeLoatch dancing in Caverna Magica. Marilyn is in a flowing skirt and bandeau top, while Gary is shirtless with loose pants. Both are barefoot, striking a dynamic pose with arms extended.

Marilyn Banks and Gary DeLoatch in Alvin Ailey's Caverna Magica Photo by Jack L. Vargoogian

Black and white photo of the company performing in Caverna Magica. The dancers are in mid-motion, wearing flowing skirts and tops. They are captured in dynamic, rhythmic poses with arms bent and legs lifted, conveying a sense of energy and movement.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Caverna Magica Photo by Jack L. Vartoogian

Black and white photo of the company performing in Caverna Magica. The dancers are arranged in a dynamic group pose, with flowing skirts and expressive arm movements. Some dancers are shirtless, while others wear fitted tops, capturing a sense of unity and energy.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Caverna Magica Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution