The recent performance of the Dance Season 2013 of the National Dance Company titled Suites –Revista choreographed and directed by Vivienne Daniel, in some ways underlines a number of significant factors in the place and state of the company at the present time. These things are not new – they were just re-emphasised.
The 2013 Season showcased five suites in Suites – Revista: “Rainbow Suite”, “Ailey Suite”, “Caribbean Suite”, “Suite Mosaic” and “Fragmented Suite” in a programme with strength and variety. But the company faces as many threats as opportunities at the present time.
The ‘Ailey Suite’ continued a deep preoccupation of Vivienne Daniel in the influence Ailey has had on her and her continuing studies of his work. Ailey as influence and inspiration is no surprise. The Alex Ailey American Dance Theater of New York City founded in 1958 is reputed to be one of the outstanding and most influential companies in the USA with an extensive record of international tours, including tours as representative/ ambassadors of the American government. It is a company with which Daniel