ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER ANNOUNCES PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR
NEW YORK CITY CENTER SEASON DECEMBER 2, 2015 – JANUARY 3, 2016
Five-Week Holiday Season Includes Repertory of Two Dozen Ballets and Features Three New Productions of Ailey Classics, a Company Premiere, and Three World Premieres – Including the First by Robert Battle Since Becoming Artistic Director
World Premieres of Kyle Abraham’s Untitled America: First Movement, Robert Battle’s Awakening, and
Ronald K. Brown’s Open Door
Company Premiere of Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera and New Productions of Blues Suite, Cry, and Love Songs – Classic Ailey Works Known to Showcase the Dancers’ Exceptional Artistry
December 2nd Opening Night Gala Benefit Honors BNY Mellon and Special New Year’s Eve Performance Celebrates
Judith Jamison on her 50th Anniversary with Ailey
NEW YORK – August 6, 2015 — Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized as a vital “American Cultural Ambassador” to the world and New York City Center’s Principal Dance Company, returns to the New York City Center stage for the 45th consecutive year from December 2, 2015 – January 3, 2016. Led by Robert Battle in his fifth season, Ailey’s renowned artists will bring to life an expansive repertory of two dozen works by some of America’s most celebrated dance-makers during this exciting annual season, which has become a joyous holiday tradition. The performances will feature three new productions of Ailey Classics, a Company premiere by Paul Taylor, and world premieres by Kyle Abraham, Ronald K. Brown and Robert Battle – his first since becoming Artistic Director.
In Awakening, Robert Battle uses his taut, ritualistic style to powerful effect in a tale of hope that expertly balances chaos and resolution, dissonance and harmony. Buoyed by the composer John Mackey’s complex orchestral music, the eagerly-anticipated work features a cast of over a dozen of Ailey’s dancers on a cathartic journey.
Applauded for his past collaborations with the Ailey dancers, Ronald K. Brown is creating Open Door, driven by the music of Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. In his sixth Ailey world premiere, created with the support of commissioning funds from New York City Center, Brown will explore the ways in which music can act as a guide in opening pathways to culture, movement, and dance. The landmark Grace in 1999 was Brown’s first work for Ailey, and his last was Four Corners in 2014, both of which will be performed during the season.
Untitled America: First Movement is MacArthur “Genius” Kyle Abraham’s second piece for the Company. It is the first installment of a three-part piece that addresses the lineage of families affected by the injustices of the incarceration system. The first movement is set to Laura Mvula’s elegant anthem Father, Father, and the remainder of the timely work will unfold over the next two Ailey seasons.
This season will include the Company premiere of Piazzola Caldera, modern dance master Paul Taylor’s sizzling ballet capturing the essence of tango culture. New productions of three classics by Alvin Ailey, renowned for showcasing the versatility, passion and artistry of the Ailey dancers, will also be presented. Blues Suite, created for the Company’s first performance in 1958, conjures Alvin Ailey’s “blood memories” of the barrelhouses and fields of rural, Depression-era southern Texas to the blues music that will be performed with a live, on-stage band. Cry is the physically and emotionally demanding solo created on Judith Jamison in 1971 as a birthday present for Alvin Ailey’s mother and dedicated to “all black women everywhere – especially our mothers.” Love Songs, choreographed in 1972 to music by Donny Hathaway and Nina Simone for the recently deceased Ailey legend Dudley Williams, is a three-part technical and dramatic tour-de-force displaying both the power and gentleness of the male soloist.
“It is an honor to be able to share exhilarating new pieces by choreographers Kyle Abraham and Ronald K. Brown, as well as enduring classics by Paul Taylor and Alvin Ailey during our holiday season at New York City Center,” stated Artistic Director Robert Battle. “I am excited to be creating a new work on Ailey’s incomparable dancers this season, and to watch them bring to life a bounty of two dozen ballets, as only they can. And, as the season draws to a close, the Ailey family looks forward to ringing in the New Year with a joyful celebration of Judith Jamison’s 50 years with Ailey.”
The December 2nd Opening Night Gala Benefit performance at New York City Center and party at the New York Hilton Midtown Grand Ballroom will launch the season and supports Ailey’s extensive educational and training programs for young people. The gala will honor BNY Mellon and Agnes & Gerald Hassell will accept on the institution’s behalf. Highlights will include the world premiere of Ronald K. Brown’s highly-anticipated Open Door, David Parsons’ signature solo Caught, and the uplifting finale of Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece Revelations with live musicians and singers.
New York City Center’s five-week holiday season will also showcase 2015-16 season premieres and new productions, including: Exodus, the recent world premiere by bold hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris; Robert Battle’s powerful and acclaimed No Longer Silent, which brings to life the music of Erwin Schulhoff who was silenced by the Nazis; Talley Beatty’s Toccata staged 20 years after his passing; and Judith Jamison’s sensual A Case of You duet from Reminiscin’, performed to Diana Krall’s version of the Joni Mitchell song by the same title. Notable ballets from Ailey’s past seasons will also be presented, including Aszure Barton’s propulsive work LIFT, Christopher Wheeldon’s dreamlike After the Rain Pas de Deux, Ronald K. Brown’s spiritually-charged works Grace and Four Corners, and Hofesh Shechter’s primal Uprising.
Family Matinee Series performances are presented each Saturday at 2pm during the season and are followed by a question-and-answer session with Ailey’s revered dancers. A special evening performance will take place on Christmas Eve, featuring three inspirational works: Robert Battle’s world premiere Awakening, Ronald K. Brown’s Grace, and Ailey’s must-see masterpiece Revelations. A New Year’s Eve 50th Anniversary Tribute to Judith Jamison will feature her A Case of You duet, along with Alvin Ailey’s Blues Suite performed with live music, the timeless Revelations, and the legendary Cry solo, which she so unforgettably originated.
Alvin Ailey’s signature Revelations will be performed to live music on December 2, 4, and 5 (matinee and evening). Special season programs include All Ailey performances comprised entirely of works by Alvin Ailey (December 8, 13 matinee, 16, 19 matinee, 20 evening); Ailey Visionaries programs featuring choreography by all three of the Company’s Artistic Directors – Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, and Robert Battle (December 15, 20 matinee, and 29); All New programs comprised entirely of premieres (December 17, 19 evening, 22, 26 evening, January 2 evening); and The engagement closes on January 3 with a Special Season Finale performance. A detailed performance schedule is attached (subject to change).
In addition to the upcoming season, Mr. Battle has also curated the fifth year of the New Directions Choreography Lab, launched in 2011 to serve the entire field of dance. The program assists choreographers in developing their craft by granting resident fellowships to four emerging and mid-career artists. The selected choreographers receive a monetary stipend, creative mentorships, the opportunity to utilize dancers from The Ailey School, and rehearsal time at Ailey’s home – the Joan Weill Center for Dance. Unlike other programs that require the production and presentation of a final performance or commission, Ailey’s lab enables choreographers to focus solely on the process of choreography as a creative experience, free from restricting expectations or deadlines. This year, fellowships have been awarded to Ephrat Asherie, Brice Mousset, Netta Yerushalmy, and Juel D. Lane, with creative mentorship from Gus Solomons, Jr., Darshan Bhuller, Julie Adams Strandberg, and Christine Dakin.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater inspires all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. Nearly 60 years after its founding, Ailey continues to move forward under the leadership of Robert Battle, revealing once again why Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the world’s most beloved dance companies.
Tickets starting at $25 are on sale September 8 at the New York City Center Box Office, through CityTix® at (212) 581-1212, or online at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org. Discount tickets are available for Ailey Super Fans who purchase tickets for more than one performance, for students with an appropriate ID and for groups of 10 or more (discounts do not apply to $25 tickets). For group sales, call 212-405-9082 or e-mail [email protected]. For further information about Ailey’s New York City Center season please visit www.alvinailey.org.
Wells Fargo is the sponsor of
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s New York Winter Season.
American Express is the Official Card of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the lead funder of the New Production of Blues Suite.
Major support for the creation of Awakening is provided by the Howard Gilman Foundation.
The creation of Awakening is supported in part by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County with lead sponsor support from Ira and Carole Hall.
The creation of Open Door is supported by commissioning funds from New York City Center.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater gratefully acknowledges the support of Diageo
during the New York City Center Season.
Opening Night Gala Benefit Sponsors: Simin Allison, American Express, BET Networks,
BNY Mellon, Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach, Joan & Sandy Weill and The Weill Family Foundation.
Major support for Ailey’s Arts In Education & Community Programs is provided by Southern Company.
The 2015-2016 season is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
For further information, the public may visit www.alvinailey.org.
The 2015-2016 Season Highlights:
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will take the stage at New York City Center from December 2, 2015 – January 3, 2016 in a five-week season that has become a joyous holiday tradition. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s acclaimed dancers will perform a diverse repertory including Battle’s first world premiere for the Company, Awakening, along with the highly anticipated world premieres of Ronald K. Brown’s Open Door and Kyle Abraham’s Untitled America: First Movement. The season also includes the Company premiere of Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera, and new productions of three Ailey classics: Blues Suite, Cry, and Love Songs. Other highlights include encores of season premieres and repertory favorites, like Rennie Harris critically-acclaimed Exodus, Robert Battle’s arresting No Longer Silent, and Alvin Ailey’s must-see masterpiece Revelations. The season also features the Opening Night Gala, the Saturday Family Matinee Series, special performances of Revelations with live music, a New Year’s Eve 50th Anniversary Tribute to Judith Jamison, and specific All Ailey, All New, and Ailey Visionaries programs. Additionally, Simon & Schuster children’s book MY STORY, MY DANCE: Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey goes on sale October 27th, just in time for holiday gift-giving.
World Premieres
Awakening
Choreography by Robert Battle Music: John Mackey
Using his signature taut, ritualistic choreographic style and a score by composer John Mackey, Battle’s first world premiere since becoming artistic director follows a community on a cathartic journey from lamentation to peace. Buoyed by the complex rhythmic quality of Mackey’s music (“Turning” and “The Attentions of Souls”, the third movement from the symphony “Wine-Dark Sea”) and a cast of over a dozen of Ailey’s extraordinary dancers, Battle’s eagerly-anticipated work is a powerful dance of dissonance and harmony, chaos and resolution.
Open Door
Choreography by Ronald K. Brown Music: Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra
Ronald K. Brown is renowned for his signature blend of modern dance and West African idioms in works that often lead into deeper examinations of issues of spirituality, community responsibility, and liberation. Open Door is a new work set to the music of Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, adding a new flavor to his signature style. The title hints at the power of dance and music in opening pathways to culture and compassion.
Untitled America: First Movement
Choreography by Kyle Abraham Music: Laura Mvula
In the first installment of a three-part suite to be completed in 2016, MacArthur “Genius” Kyle Abraham, renowned for his avant-garde aesthetic and powerhouse athleticism, explores the lasting impact of incarceration in the prison system on individuals and families across generations. The first movement will be set to a contemporary sound score comprised of Laura Mvula’s “Father, Father,” as performed by recording artist, Crystal Monee Hall. Fusing many facets of dance vocabulary, Abraham’s movement style is decidedly original and contains wealth of physical detail that resonates with the Ailey dancers’ trademark versatility.
Company Premiere
Piazzolla Caldera (1997)
Choreography by Paul Taylor Music: Astor Piazzolla and Jerzy Peterburshsky
Set to music by Astor Piazzolla and Jerzy Peterburshsky, Piazzolla Caldera is a finely wrought work sizzling with erotic energy by modern dance master Paul Taylor that captures the essence of tango culture. Men and women engage in a series of fiery encounters, in turns playful and predatory, in vivid duets and trios through the work’s four sections in this passionate homage to tango’s Argentinian working class roots.
New Productions
Blues Suite (1958)
Alvin Ailey Music: Traditional (All Performances with Live Music)
“Blood memories” of rural, Depression-era southern Texas, come to life in Alvin Ailey’s hugely popular Blues Suite, his first masterpiece that launched the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the inaugural 1958 performance. With the rumble of a train and the toll of distant bells, a cast of vividly-drawn characters from the barrelhouses and fields of Alvin Ailey’s southern childhood are summoned to dance and revel through one long, sultry night. Ailey’s first masterpiece poignantly evokes the sorrow, humor and humanity of the blues, those heartfelt songs that he called “hymns to the secular regions of the soul.” All season performances will be to music from a live, on-stage band.
Cry (1971)
Choreography by Alvin Ailey Music: Alice Coltrane, Laura Nyro, Voices of East Harlem
In 1971, Alvin Ailey choreographed the ballet Cry, as a birthday present for his mother Mrs. Lula Cooper, and created the dance on his stunning muse, Judith Jamison. It was an instant sensation and went on to become an enduring work of American art. This physically and emotionally demanding 16-minute solo is dedicated to “all black women everywhere – especially our mothers” and represents women throughout history who overcame ruthless hardship to arise joyful and triumphant. The solo is made up of three parts – the first set to Alice Coltrane’s “Something about John Coltrane,” the second to Laura Nyro’s “Been on a Train” and the last has the Voices of East Harlem singing “Right On, Be Free.” Ms. Jamison, who has since taught the treasured role to subsequent generations of Ailey women, wrote of the work in her autobiography Dancing Spirit: “In my interpretation, she represented those women before her who came from the hardships of slavery, through the pain of losing loved ones, through overcoming extraordinary depressions and tribulations. Coming out of a world of pain and trouble, she has found her way-and triumphed.”
Love Songs (1972)
Choreography by Alvin Ailey Music: Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone
Love Songs, a three-part technical and dramatic tour-de-force originally created for the legendary Dudley Williams, is often viewed as the male counterpart to Cry, the famous woman’s solo that Mr. Ailey originally choreographed for his muse, Judith Jamison. The suite opens with Donny Hathaway’s tender “A Song For You,” followed by Nina Simone’s rendition of “A Field of Poppies,” an anti-narcotics song in which the audience witnesses the man’s descent into self-destruction, and closes with Hathaway singing “He Aint Heavy” as the dancer travels around the stage bearing an imaginary load with resolve. The work gives the soloist a unique opportunity to display both the power and gentleness of the male dancer while digging deep into all the aspects of his relationships – with himself, his fellow man, his brother.
2015-2016 Season Premieres & New Productions
Exodus (World Premiere 2015)
Choreography by Rennie Harris Music: Original compositions by Raphael Xavier, “A New Deal” by Ost & Kjex
Acclaimed hip-hop choreographer Rennie (Lorenzo) Harris created a recent world premiere that explores the idea of “exodus” – from one’s ignorance and conformity – as a necessary step toward enlightenment. Set to gospel and house music along with spoken word, the work underscores the crucial role of action and movement in effecting change. Exemplifying his view of hip hop as a “celebration of life,” Exodus marks Harris’ latest invitation to return to spiritual basics and affirm who we are. His previous contributions to the Ailey repertory include Home (2011) and Love Stories (2004), an acclaimed collaboration with Judith Jamison and Robert Battle.
No Longer Silent (2007 / Ailey Company Premiere 2015)
Choreography: Robert Battle Music: Erwin Schulhoff
No Longer Silent is a large ensemble work featuring the imaginative interplay of four groups of dancers evoking a complex and mysterious ritual to Erwin Schulhoff’s percussive score “Ogelala.” Originally created in 2007 for The Juilliard School, Robert Battle’s alma mater, it was part of a concert of choreography that brought to life long-forgotten scores by composers whose work the Nazis had banned. Powerful phrases stir the imagination with images of flight and fatigue, chaos and unity, and collectivity and individualism as dancers travel in military rows. Created between 1922-1924, the music tells the story of a pre-Columbian Mexican warrior and its ever-shifting mechanical cadence is the backdrop against which the dancers, dressed in all black, dramatically build to the work’s piercing conclusion. Lamentably, the composer was denied employment after the Germans occupied Czechoslovakia and, after being prevented from emigrating, died of tuberculosis in the Wülzburg concentration camp in 1942.
A Case of You (excerpt from Reminiscin’ – 2005 / New Production – 2015)
Choreography by Judith Jamison Music: Joni Mitchell, Performed by Diana Krall
A Case of You is an emotional and sensual duet by Judith Jamison, performed to Diana Krall’s version of Joni Mitchell’s song by the same title. The duet was originally created in 2004 as a birthday tribute to Chairman Emerita Joan Weill and premiered publicly the following year as part of Ms. Jamison’s larger work, Reminiscin’, inspired by Edward Hopper’s famous painting Nighthawks and great female jazz artists.
Toccata (1960 / New Production 2015)
Choreography by Talley Beatty Music: Lalo Schiffrin “Gillespiana”
An episode from Talley Beatty’s longer work Come and Get the Beauty of it Hot, Toccata is described as “set in streets of New York” and incorporates nuances of classic and other dance styles in a jazz idiom. Set to music by Grammy Award-winning Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin, the piece contains a sequence of ensembles, duets and trios that are danced in an almost declamatory manner as the dancers project their movements toward the audience and seldom toward themselves. Talley Beatty (1918-1995) began his career as dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company and toured Europe, the US, and Canada with his own company. He appeared in films, Broadway shows, and was nominated for a 1977 Tony Award as Best Choreographer for Your Arm’s Too Short to Box with God. Dance companies that have mounted his ballets include: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Batsheva Dance Company, Koln Opera Ballet, Boston Ballet, Stockholm Dance Theatre and Ballet Hispanico. The Ailey company has staged a number of his major works, including The Road of the Phoebe Snow (1959), Come and Get the Beauty of it Hot (1960), The Stack-Up (1983), and Blueshift (1984).
Season Repertory
In addition to the premieres, new productions, and special programs, the season repertory includes:
After the Rain Pas de Deux – Christopher Wheeldon (2005)
Music: Arvo Pärt
Bad Blood – Ulysses Dove (1986)
Music: Laurie Anderson and Peter Gabriel
Caught – David Parsons (1982)
Music: Robert Fripp
Four Corners – Ronald K. Brown (2013)
Music: Carl Hancock Rux, Rahsaan, Roland Kirk, Yacoub
Grace – Ronald K. Brown (1999)
Music: Duke Ellington, Roy Davis, Fela Kuti
LIFT – Aszure Barton (2013)
Music: Curtis Macdonald
Memoria – Alvin Ailey (1979)
Music: Keith Jarrett
Night Creature – Alvin Ailey (1974)
Music: Duke Ellington
ODETTA – Matthew Rushing (2014)
Music: Odetta Holmes
Polish Pieces – Hans van Manen (1995)
Music: Henryk Górecki’s
Revelations – Alvin Ailey (1960)
Music: Traditional Spirituals
Uprising – Hofesh Shechter (2006)
Music: Hofesh Shecher
Season Highlights & Special Programs
Opening Night Gala Benefit (Dec. 2 at 7pm)
Honoring BNY Mellon, Opening Night Gala Benefit proceeds go to Ailey’s educational and training programs for young people. Following the exciting world premiere of Ronald K. Brown’s Open Door and David Parsons’ Caught, there will be an inspiring performance of Revelations with live music.
Family Matinee Series (Dec. 6 mat, 13 mat, 20 mat, 27 mat, Jan. 3 mat)
On Saturday afternoons, bring the whole family to enjoy the performance and stay for a free Q & A with the Ailey dancers in the theater after the performance.
Christmas Eve Performance (Dec. 24)
Dance into the spirit of the holidays with Ailey at the Company’s evening performance on Christmas Eve. The evening includes three inspiring works: Robert Battle’s world premiere Awakening, Ronald K. Brown’s spiritually-charged Grace, and Ailey’s must-see masterpiece Revelations.
New Year’s Eve 50th Anniversary Tribute to Judith Jamison (Dec. 31)
On New Year’s Eve, Ailey salutes Artistic Director Emerita and Ailey’s muse Judith Jamison on 50 years with the Company. The evening will feature a performance of Jamison’s A Case of You duet, along with Alvin Ailey’s Blues Suite performed with live music, the timeless Revelations, and the legendary Cry solo she unforgettably originated.
Revelations – performed with live music – December 2, 4, 5 mat and eve
“All Ailey” Programs – December 8, 13 mat, 16, 19 mat, 20 eve
“All New” Programs – December 17, 19 eve, 22, 26 eve, January 2 eve
“Ailey Visionaries” Programs – December 15, 20 mat, and 29
MY STORY, MY DANCE: Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey (released Oct. 27)
Just in time for the holidays, the children’s book My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey will be released by Paula Wiseman Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. Based on Battle’s life, it is the unique story of a young boy who, despite physical and other challenges, has a life filled with music, church, and movement – first martial arts, and then, after seeing Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, dance. Husband-and-wife team James Ransome and Lesa Cline-Ransome created the vibrant illustrations and wrote the inspiring narrative. The book, for ages 5 – 10, is a heart-warming story and perfect holiday gift.
Ticket to Dance
The New York City Center season welcomes the return of “Ticket to Dance,” which invites audience members to try their first Ailey Extension class FREE with the presentation of a performance ticket stub (returning students receive a free class with the purchase of a 10-class card). The offer is valid for 60 days from the performance date. Now in its 10th year, The Ailey Extension has fulfilled Alvin Ailey’s life‐long commitment of bringing dance to everyone by offering “real classes for real people,” with over 80 classes per week in more than 25 different dance and fitness techniques.
FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE ATTACHED – TICKETS ONSALE SEPTEMBER 8th
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
December 2, 2015 – January 3, 2016 at New York City Center
131 West 55th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, New York, NY
(212) 581-1212 / www.nycitycenter.org
CALENDAR LISTING INFORMATION
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies, returns to the New York City Center stage for the 45th consecutive year December 2, 2015 – January 3, 2016. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will move audiences with premieres, new productions and repertory favorites in a season that has become a joyous holiday tradition. Tickets starting at $25 go on sale September 8 and can be purchased at the New York City Center Box Office, through CityTix® at (212) 581-1212 or online at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org. Discount tickets are available for Ailey Super Fans who purchase tickets for more than one performance, for students with an appropriate ID and for groups of 10 or more (discounts do not apply to $25 tickets). The Saturday Family Matinee series includes a post-performance Q&A with the Ailey dancers and an increased availability of $25 tickets, but buy early for the best seat selection. For group sales, call 212-405-9082 or e-mail [email protected]. For further information, visit www.alvinailey.org.
Performance Times:
Opening Night Gala (December 2) – 7:00pm (note earlier curtain time)
Tuesday – Thursday evenings – 7:30pm
Friday & Saturday evenings – 8:00pm
Sunday evenings – 7:30pm
Saturday matinees – 2:00pm
Sunday matinees – 3:00pm
Wednesday (12/23 & 12/30) matinees – 2:00pm
New Year’s Eve (December 31) – 7:00pm
ABOUT ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” grew from a now‐fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Founded by Alvin Ailey, recent posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor, and guided by Judith Jamison beginning in 1989, the Company is now led by Robert Battle, whom Judith Jamison chose to succeed her on July 1, 2011. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents – as well as millions more through television broadcasts, film screenings, and online platforms – promoting the uniqueness of the African‐American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. In addition to being the Principal Dance Company of New York City Center, where its performances have become a year‐end tradition, the Ailey company performs annually at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami‐Dade County in Miami, The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark where it is the Principal Resident Affiliate), and appears frequently in other major theaters throughout the United States and the world during extensive yearly tours. The Ailey organization also includes Ailey II (1974), a second performing company of emerging young dancers and innovative choreographers; The Ailey School (1969), one of the most extensive dance training programs in the world; Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs, which brings dance into the classrooms, communities and lives of people of all ages; and The Ailey Extension (2005), a program offering dance and fitness classes to the general public, which began with the opening of Ailey’s permanent home—the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the dance capital of the world —named The Joan Weill Center for Dance, at 55th Street at 9th Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.
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