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The dancers show a lot of promise in a programme that lacks flair or variation. 

I should start this review by being honest and explaining that I was not initially excited to see Ailey at City Center. I was prepared to be impressed by the company’s physical aesthetic and not much else – I often think of the company as finely-tuned robots who are capable of demonstrating technical virtuosity but not of moving me in a big way, emotionally.

Celebrity Series of Boston presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater every spring, just as the city starts to pop open and come alive. Like the host city, the company is full of life. And like Boston Public Garden down the street, the thrill is in the feeling of power underscoring what we see on the surface.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opened its 2011 season, Robert Battle’s first as Artistic Director, at New York City Center. But while the company has a loyal following, with this strong support comes astronomically high expectations. Thursday night the Ailey company more than earned that respect.Battle is the third person in the company’s history to be named Artistic Director.