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2 dancers lit in purple lighting, one lying on the ground with legs resting on the other dancer who is bent backward

Repertory

Treading

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

COMPANY PREMIERE

McCarter Theatre, Princeton, 1981

WORLD PREMIERE

Marymount Manhattan Theater, New York, 1979

REHEARSAL ASSOCIATE

Clymene Aldinger

MUSIC

Steve Reich

COSTUMES

Marisol

ORIGINAL LIGHTING DESIGN

Tina Charney

LIGHTING DESIGN

Clifton Taylor

RUN TIME

  • 12 minutes

When Elisa Monte's sculptural, mesmerizing duet was performed at New York City Center in 1981, The New York Times declared, "Treading gives lovers of fine dancing much to marvel at." The couple in Monte's ballet come together in fluid, intricate movements that combine with Steve Reich's evocative music to create an aura of mystery and sensuality. 

Two dancers supporting each other with legs in the air

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jacquelin Harris and Yannick Lebrun in Elisa Monte’sTreading Photo by Paul Kolnik

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jacquelin Harris in Elisa Monte’s ‘Treading' arching backward on her knees in blue and purple lighting.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jacquelin Harris in Elisa Monte’s Treading Photo by Paul Kolnik

Yannick Lebrun and Jacquelin Harris in Elisa Monte's 'Treading.' Photo by Paul Kolnik.

Yannick Lebrun and Jacquelin Harris in Elisa Monte's Treading Photo by Paul Kolnik

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jacquelin Harris and Yannick Lebrun in Elisa Monte’s ‘Treading’. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jacquelin Harris and Yannick Lebrun in Elisa Monte’sTreading Photo by Paul Kolnik

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MUSIC CREDITS

Excerpts from “Music for 18 Musicians” used by arrangement with Hendon Music, Inc., a Boosey & Hawkes Company, publisher and copyright owner. 

FUNDERS

This production of Treading is supported by an Anonymous donor, Leanne Lachman, and the Pamela D. Zilly and John H. Schaefer New Works Endowment Fund.

Hero Credit: Photo by Paul Kolnik