When Escapades premiered in the United States in 1993, The New York Times called it "...breathtaking in its invention." This ballet was originally choreographed by Mr. Ailey for the Aterballetto – Centro Regionale Della Danza of Italy in 1983 and set to a score by jazz legend Max Roach. A suite of four dances, this piece tells a love story through a fluid combination of modern, jazz and ballet techniques. The central couple is continually surrounded by duets and quartets of dancers who effortlessly move in and out of earthy sensuality and graceful lyricism.

"...what the company is all about...only Ailey dancers could express his choreography with such emotion."
- Melonee McKinney, Knoxville News-Sentinel

"...a classic Ailey blending of ballet and jazz, emphasizing the youthful vigor and quintessential style of the 12-member ensemble."
- Anne Bendheim, Mobile Press Register

"Escapades… is a loose love story. Mostly though, it shows off the dancers’ love of dance, along with Ailey’s genius for choreography."
- Diane Dakers, Times Colonist