THE CRITICALLY acclaimed Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre Group cut short its opening performance on Sunday night due to the humid weather conditions in Nicosia.
The much anticipated dance group gave a colourful performance, but struggled to dance amidst the overwhelming humidity and were unable to complete the show when the stage floor became wet and hazardous to the dancers.
Elia Ioannidou of Attract productions from Greece, who is responsible for bringing the Alvin Ailey Dance Group to Cyprus, told the Cyprus Mail the show had been a success despite the dangerous weather conditions.
“The dancers did their utmost to give a winning performance and the audience seemed captivated. However once the stage became wet due to the humidity it became extremely unsafe for the dancers to continue,” stressed Elia Ioannidou. “Ballet laws state that if there is high level of humidity performers must not dance as they may injure themselves and therefore be unable to partake in future shows.”
When asked if the audience would be refunded on their tickets Elia Ioannidou said the viewers from Sunday night that had missed the last part of the show could use the same ticket to attend the next performance if they so wished. “Some people in the audience were not even aware that the whole show was not completed, for after a standing ovation the Alvin Ailey dancers performed an encore despite the risks involved. Therefore the show did go on for the duration of one hour and 40 minutes as originally planned,” specified Elia Ioannidou.
“The audience did not appear to be annoyed at the turn of events. They thoroughly enjoyed the performance and did not seem the least bit disappointed.”
However, one spectator who attended the show told the Cyprus Mail of his disappointment at the performance, adding the show had only run for a total of 40 minutes.
“They neglected to inform us that we could return the next night with our ticket and watch the full performance,” he said. “We were ripped off and the spectators were treated with contempt.”
The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre is one of America’s most acclaimed international cultural ambassadors. The group was formed in 1958 by Alvin Ailey and was the first all African American dance company ever established.
Weather conditions permitting, you can still enjoy the both raw and elegant movements of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre tonight and tomorrow night at the Blind School Amphitheatre in Nicosia at 8.30pm. Tickets costing £25-£35 are available from the Municipal Theatres of Strovolos, Larnaca and Limassol.
