Battle's

The high point of Mr. Battle's leadership so far was the gala's radiant "Arden Court" 1981, a male-dominated showcase for barefoot dancers to the 18th-century Baroque music of William Boyce, by modern-dance master Paul Taylor.

First Signs of Battle at Alvin Ailey Robert Greskovic 2011

The two samplings of Mr. Battle's own choreography chosen for this outing struck visually agreeable if not theatrically gripping notes.

First Signs of Battle at Alvin Ailey Robert Greskovic 2011

Also on tap is a new offering by hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris, plus Mr. Battle's all-male "The Hunt" and the beloved classics by company founder Alvin Ailey.

Ailey Dancers Dish on What Moves Them Pia Catton 2011

Also in the two programmes are Thang Dao's Echoes, loosely based on his family's journey from Vietnam to America; Troy Powell's The External Knot, with music by Philip Glass and Schumann, and Robert Battle's fine imaginative study on male rituals, The Hunt.

This week's new dance 2011

Amid all this was Mr. Battle's first commission: "Home," from hip-hop choreographer and dancer Rennie Harris.

First Signs of Battle at Alvin Ailey Robert Greskovic 2011

But the pressure for her lies in being one of Mr. Battle's new hires: "Because we're the first batch, everyone's eye goes to us—'Oh, that must be what he's looking for.'"

Ailey Dancers Dish on What Moves Them Pia Catton 2011

Not even the winning Linda Celeste Sims and the young veteran Clifton Brown, appearing now as a guest artist, could justify Mr. Battle's choice here.

First Signs of Battle at Alvin Ailey Robert Greskovic 2011

Johnny Red was introduced to the paper on 29 January 1977 in Battle's 100th issue.

Archive 2009-05-01 Steve 2009

Hartmann has to convince Hannah who he is, in Battle's joker body.

Archive 2007-06-01 Blue Tyson 2007

Hartmann has to convince Hannah who he is, in Battle's joker body.

Archive 2007-05-01 Blue Tyson 2007