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Review of Ruhee Lee's Performance in Hallelujah
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AUDIENCE REVIEW: Performance Review: Hallelujah at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater
Performance Date:
June.21.2026
Freeform Review:
I attended Hallelujah at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater during the World Dance Celebration after hearing that interdisciplinary artist Ruhee Lee would be performing. Having previously encountered some of her installation work, I was interested to see her in a live dance performance. Seeing her perform within this ensemble gave me a new appreciation for her artistic practice. She seemed fully immersed in the rhythm and spirit of the work. Her movement felt honest and fully present, blending naturally with the ensemble while maintaining a quiet individuality. Rather than drawing attention to herself, she contributed to the collective spirit of the work in a thoughtful and expressive way.
From the moment the performance began, I was drawn into its energy. The combination of live music, lighting effects, and movement created an atmosphere that felt warm, joyful, peaceful, and deeply spiritual. Although I was unfamiliar with the cultural traditions behind the work, the emotions were easy to connect with. The performers shared a genuine sense of community that reached the audience throughout the evening.
One of my favorite aspects of the performance was the live music. The rhythms and instruments were unlike anything I had experienced before, adding richness and authenticity to the performance. The music and dancing felt inseparable, making the entire theater feel alive. As I watched, I found myself reflecting on how dance can preserve stories and traditions across generations. While the choreography was rooted in African cultural practices, certain moments unexpectedly reminded me of ceremonies and movements from my own heritage. It was a beautiful reminder that, despite cultural differences, many human experiences are shared.
Overall, Hallelujah was an uplifting and memorable performance. I left the theater feeling grateful to have experienced a tradition that was new to me. It reminded me that dance has the power to connect people across cultures and generations in ways that words often cannot.
