This article originally appeared in the Culture section of Bloomberg News on December 5, 2008. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Jamar Roberts, left; Amos J. Machanic, Jr., center; and Olivia Bowman rehearse in this photo taken on May 9, 2007. Photographer: Andrew Eccles/Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater via Bloomberg News Dec. 5 (Bloomberg) -- The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater scorns doing things by half measures. Wednesday night's gala opening of its five-week season at the City Center, celebrating its 50th anniversary, pulled … [Read more...]

This article originally appeared in the Culture section of Bloomberg News on December 1, 2008. Dec. 1 (Bloomberg) -- It's too easy to yield to the magic of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker," performed by the New York City Ballet. It's harder to define that enchantment. Is it the Christmas tree that grows to a height of 40 feet before our eyes? Maybe it's the skill and verve of the School of American Ballet kids who hold their own against the professionals. Perhaps it's the female corps de ballet, each member a beauty in her own right, … [Read more...]