Dedicated to “all black women everywhere—especially our mothers,” this iconic solo was created by Alvin Ailey as a birthday present to his own mother. The Gala presentation seen here, this work’s first and only Pillow performance to date, was personally introduced by the Ailey muse who first danced it, Judith Jamison. She has said that the solo figure in Cry represents those “who came from the hardships of slavery, through the pain of losing loved ones, through overcoming extraordinary depressions and tribulations. Coming out of a world of pain and trouble, she has found her way—and triumphed.” Linda Celeste Sims has danced principal roles since joining Ailey in 1996. On this program, her performance was paired with Matthew Rushing in a solo from Revelations.
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