Taking The World By Storm

Courtesy Alvin Ailey Theater
Photos Courtesy of AA Dance Company

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announces a groundbreaking year, led by Robert Battle in his fifth season as Artistic Director. The Company recently performed at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet for Les Étés de la Danse International Dance Festival and the grace and bravura of the Company will soon reach the hearts and minds of audiences in South Africa, and throughout the U.S. via the screen, the stage, and the page.

Historic South Africa Residency
September 3 – 20

Recognized by U.S. Congressional Resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” Ailey will make a milestone return to South Africa September 3 – 20, nearly two decades after historic residencies in post-apartheid South Africa in 1997 and 1998, following the lifting of the international cultural boycott. Performances in Johannesburg at Teatro at Montecasino and – for the first time – Cape Town at Opera House, Artscape will be complemented by extensive educational activities in area schools, communities, and townships. This will harken back to the impactful outreach implemented during the Company’s early visits; stepping off the stage and into the community has always been a priority for Ailey. After its Johannesburg debut, Time magazine proclaimed that “the Ailey company’s tour leaves South Africa dancing in the aisles,” and this season is sure to be equally inspirational. This residency is made possible by lead sponsor Bloomberg Philanthropies with major support from the Ford Foundation and Bank of America, as well as assistance from travel and freight partners South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo.

National Film Debut - “Lincoln Center: Great American Dance”
October 22

On Thursday, October 22 at 7pm, audiences across the nation will be able to enjoy Ailey’s big screen debut, as part of “Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great American Dance.” The film will be presented by Fathom Events and Lincoln Center, and shown on approximately 400 screens across the country. Captured before a live audience during Ailey’s recent Lincoln Center season, the film includes audience favorites Chroma by Wayne McGregor, Grace by Ronald K. Brown, Takademe by Robert Battle, and of course, Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece Revelations, a must-see for all. The film is directed for the screen by Matthew Diamond and features a rare look behind the scenes and exclusive interviews with the artists. Tickets are available at FathomEvents.com and at participating theater box offices.

Robert Battle’s Inspiring Children’s Book My Story, My Dance
Released October 27

On October 27, 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 is for ages 5 – 10, and is a success story that is sure to inspire all.

Landmark Season At New York City Center
December 2 – January 3 & 20
City North American Tour
February 2 – May 8

Ailey closes 2015 with its 45th consecutive season at New York City Center from December 2, 2015 – January 3, 2016. The Company will present world premieres, new productions, and Ailey classics during this annual season that has become a joyous holiday tradition. Other highlights include an Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, December 2 at 7pm, the Saturday Family Matinee Series, and a special New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31 at 7pm. Programming will be announced soon, and tickets starting at $25 go on sale September 8.

The season continues in 2016 with a 20-city North American tour from February 2 – May 6 launched by a gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, February 2. Audiences from coast to coast will have the opportunity to see Ailey’s extraordinary dancers live in world premieres, new productions, and Ailey classics. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org