The Nutcracker returns us to childhood dreams. Handel’s Messiah draws us into the life of Christ and the realm of God. And the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, every December at New York City Center, unites us in elation. This year’s season holds new works by Kyle Abraham and Jamar Roberts, and adds Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs and Roy’s Joys to the repertory, as well as Paul Taylor’s DUET (1964). The programs are packed with classic Ailey. Revelations, of course, is always on hand, a masterpiece both earthy and spiritual. Aszure Barton’s BUSK, which came into the company in 2019, is another don’t miss.
—Laura Jacobs