Ulysses Dove's bold choreographic voice and daring athleticism are embodied by the phenomenal Ailey women in Vespers, a dramatic work full of raw energy and profound grace.

Inspired by Dove’s memories of his grandmother’s place of worship, this dramatic work showcases the athleticism and grace of six female dancers who are propelled by Mikel Rouse’s profound electronic score. 

Like many of Dove’s works, Vespers has a stark, ferocious quality. Mikel Rouse’s percussive score matches the dancers’ insistent drive as they propel themselves across the stage between rows of straight-back chairs. The Village Voice pronounced it “an exemplary vehicle for six Ailey women, showing off their streamlined power and how coldly they can burn.”

Dove’s choreography has been a fixture in the Ailey repertory since 1980, when the former Associate Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya staged one of his earliest ballets. “I love to expose new dancers to the genius of Dove’s work,” Chaya said. “I want each new dancer to bring this generation’s perspective to the steps. At the same time it keeps the ballet from becoming a ‘museum piece.’ There has to be life in it.”

The creation of this work was made possible, in part, by generous grants from the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund and J.P. Morgan.

Vespers was originally created for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company in 1986 through a grant from the National Choreography Project.