Significant Moves

Just as Barack Obama was determined to stare down the race issue in his presidential campaign, so was dancer Alvin Ailey resolute in his drive to be judged solely on the merits of his art. When the young dancer moved to New York in 1954, black dancers faced an uphill battle in finding opportunities with white companies. Ailey responded by forming his own company and steering it to the height of the dance world with ballets that depicted the black experience and the pain of segregation, which he endured growing up in rural Texas. Ailey died in 1989, but before his death, he helped establish a satellite organization in Kansas City that has endured for 25 years. Tonight, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey presents the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Midland Theater (1228 Main, 816-283-9921). Tickets start at $16 for the 7:30 p.m. performance, with additional performances at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Fri., Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 15, 2 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 16, 2 p.m., 2008