"Sure, Alvin wanted to address a variety of life and social issues in his works, but he also wanted people to see his works and see the company."

Favors remembers when she first danced the spiritually uplifting "Revelations."

"It was like a joyous exchange between the audience and the dancers," she said. "Every time I saw the work performed as an audience member, I felt that exchange. And when I was dancing it, it was the same. But there was something more for me. I would pause and see that I was dancing this wonderful work and I wanted to scream to everyone — 'Do you see this? I'm dancing in this! I'm in this!"'

Now, as a rehearsal director, she sits in the audience and watches the company during the tours and still feels that elation.

The emotion is a major part of an Ailey Theater performance, Favors said. "The passion of the dancers is contagious. It gives any piece we do a little more leverage. It rounds out the presentation."

Another aspect that is pleasing to the audience is the dancers' forms and movements.

"When you watch an Ailey performance, you can't help but notice the dancers' bodies," Favors said, with a laugh. "They are some well-toned bodies out there. But there's also the fact that these bodies aren't just pretty to look at. They move. They know how to move and the movement adds dimension to what they look like."

If you go ...

What: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Where: Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah
When: Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
How much: $29.50-$45.50
Phone: 581-7100
Web: www.kingsburyhall.org

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com