Divining

Judith Jamison's first choreographic success displays the musical sophistication and complexity of movement that marked her as a promising dancemaker. African polyrhythms lend the work an air of mystery and mysticism, while the title suggests a search or quest. The piece is set to the music of Kimati Dinizulu and Monti Ellison and builds on a variety of dance idioms from throughout Africa to create a pulsating, strikingly modern work.

Created in 1984, five years before Ms. Jamison’s ascent to artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The New York Times gave special praise to her “invention of movement shapes and movement quality that give [Divining] a fascinating originality.” 

During Ailey II's North American tour, the company will perform an excerpt of the work.