NPR

An 'Ode' To Victims Of Gun Violence — From Alvin Ailey Dancers

The dance company dedicated to African American culture premieres a new work tonight. Jamar Roberts, its first resident choreographer, says he was inspired by the deaths of Trayvon Martin and others.
Jamar Roberts, the first resident choreographer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is the creator of <em>Ode.</em>

There are no gunshots in Ode. But it does begin with one dancer lying motionless on the floor, as a piano plays stark, detached chords.

The dancer gets up and is eventually joined by five other dancers, in flowing, circular motions. They dance together as an ensemble, but then one dancer falls and crumples to the floor.

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