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Dancers on stage in a dramatic formation, with one dancer standing apart from the group. They are dressed in casual clothing, and the lighting creates a spotlight effect on the ensemble. The group displays various expressive poses, conveying a sense of struggle and emotion. The background is dark blue, enhancing the intensity of the scene.

Repertory

Home

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

RUN TIME

18 Minutes

WORLD PREMIERE

New York City Center, 2011

LIGHTING

Stephen Arnold

ASSISTANT TO CHOREOGRAPHER

Nina Flagg

MUSIC

Dennis Ferrer, Raphael Xavier

COSTUMES

Jon Taylor

A pulsing gospel house music score propels the dancers through intricate footwork and rapidly evolving patterns in Home, choreographer Rennie Harris' bold work inspired by the stories of people living with or affected by HIV. Drawing upon poems and images submitted in 2011 to the “Fight HIV Your Way” contest, an initiative of Bristol-Myers Squibb, Harris created a compelling piece that conveys both the chilling isolation and the uplifting sense of community many experience while battling the disease. 

During the creation of Home, former Artistic Director Robert Battle praised Harris’ contemporary vision, noting that “he is bringing a unique perception to stories that absolutely have to be told, and that ought to be realized in a dance vocabulary that comes from a new generation.” 

The 2011 world premiere of Home took place at New York City Center on December 1—World AIDS Day and a date that holds great significance to AILEY, as it is the day that founder Alvin Ailey died from the disease in 1989. 

Home

Group of dancers on stage against a dark red background. They are in a dynamic pose, with arms extended and bent, wearing casual, colorful clothing, including jackets and tank tops. The lighting enhances the dramatic effect of their movements.

Members of the Company in Home Pierre Wachholder

Group of dancers on stage against a dark background. Some are mid-jump while others are standing or bending forward. They wear casual, colorful clothing, including tank tops and jackets. The lighting casts dramatic shadows on the stage.

Members of the Company in Home Pierre Wachholder

Group of dancers performing on stage with a dark background. Some dancers are mid-air in dynamic jumps while others are on the ground. They wear casual, colorful clothing, including tank tops and jackets. The lighting creates dramatic shadows on the stage.

Members of the Company in Home Pierre Wachholder

Group of dancers on stage against a dark background, all reaching one arm upwards. They are wearing casual attire, with a mix of crop tops, jackets, and tank tops in various colors. Lighting highlights their poses dramatically.

Members of the Company in Home Pierre Wachholder

Group of dancers performing on stage against a dark blue background. Dancers are in dynamic poses with arms extended, wearing casual clothing in various colors. One dancer is kneeling in the foreground with arms outstretched.

Members of the Company in Home Pierre Wachholder

Learn more about the stories that inspired this work. 

Watch Michael Strahan learn a piece of Home on Live with Kelly and Michael!