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Male dancers with arms above their heads and their hands in fist

Repertory

Kinetic Molpai

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

RUN TIME

27 Minutes

COMPANY PREMIERE

New York City Center, 1972

WORLD PREMIERE

Jacob's Pillow, 1935

MUSIC

Jess Meeker

LIGHTING

Chenault Spence

Kinetic Molpai is a dance that stresses male prowess for eight bare-chested dancers. It was choreographed by modern dance pioneer Ted Shawn in 1935. The dance is a celebration, a ritual of patterns, energy, and ensemble work. Alvin Ailey revived the work in 1972 with the help of Barton Mumaw, an original Shawn company member.

Four male dancers balancing on one leg with second leg extended to the side

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's D. Wiliams, H. Mercado, M. Oka, and M. Jones in Ted Shawn's Kinetic Molpai Photo by Rosemary Winckley

Male dancer jumping with legs in center split

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Ted Shawn's Kinetic Molpai Photo by Rosemary Winckley

Male dancers with arms above their heads and their hands in fist

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Ted Shawn's Kinetic Molpai Photo by Rosemary Winckley

Two groups of dancers splitting the stage

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Ted Shawn's Kinetic Molpai Photo by Rosemary Winckley

Hero Credit: Photo by Rosemary Winckley