Alvin Ailey At BAM

The “Classic Ailey” program, dedicated to Alvin Ailey’s choreography, will feature the long-awaited return of Masekela Langage, the rarely seen masterpiece which made its NYC premiere during Ailey’s first season at BAM in 1969 is being revived for the 50th Anniversary

[Entertainment: Dance]

 

In an unprecedented and highly anticipated collaboration, The Joyce Theater will present Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) at BAM with two exhilarating programs, from June 3 – 8, 2008.

This not-to-be-missed celebratory season, AAADT’s first return to BAM in over 35 years, will take place in the Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Avenue, in Brooklyn. Tickets for The Joyce Theater presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at BAM range from $20-$70 and can be purchased at BAM.org or by calling (718) 636-4100.

A momentous year for both organizations, AAADT celebrates its 50th anniversary and The Joyce Theater continues its 25th Anniversary commemoration reaching into communities near and far with this season at BAM. Led by the celebrated Artistic Director Judith Jamison, AAADT will showcase the tremendous breadth and range of their repertoire in these two exciting programs.

The “Classic Ailey” program, dedicated to Alvin Ailey’s choreography, will feature the long-awaited return of Masekela Langage, the rarely seen masterpiece which made its NYC premiere during Ailey’s first season at BAM in 1969 is being revived for the 50th Anniversary, and the incomparable Revelations, a galvanizing tour de force celebrating African-American cultural heritage that ranks as one of modern dance’s most affecting works.

Ailey’s Night Creature and Pas de Duke, both longtime audience favorites, will complete the program. The “Best Of” program includes Twyla Tharp’s breathtaking The Golden Section, Robert Battle’s stirring duet Unfold and The Groove To Nobody’s Business, commissioned in part through The Joyce Theater’s 25th anniversary grants. This piece, by emerging choreographer Camille A. Brown, created great excitement upon its premiere during AAADT’s 2007 season. This program will also conclude with Revelations.

Speaking of this unique partnership, Linda Shelton, Executive Director of The Joyce Theater said, “The Joyce Theater is delighted to celebrate its 25th anniversary and have this opportunity to build capacity by presenting the incredible Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the world renowned Brooklyn Academy of Music. Working in partnership with these two impressive organizations will further enhance The Joyce’s reputation as a major presenter of dance as we bring this wonderful company to Brooklyn for the first time in over 35 years. Without the visionary support of Altria Group, Inc., this historic collaboration would never have been possible.”

“The Ailey organization is excited to be forging a new partnership with two other respected cultural icons – The Joyce Theater and Brooklyn Academy of Music. As we begin Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 50th anniversary celebration, a spring season at BAM is especially significant – and a wonderful opportunity to share Ailey’s inspiring legacy with new audiences,” said Sharon Gerstem Luckman, Executive Director of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.

Karen Brooks Hopkins, president of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, said, “BAM is pleased to partner with The Joyce Theater and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in this significant collaboration. The Joyce Theater is a New York cultural gem and what could be better then to launch this partnership with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—a company that has a profound historic connection to BAM.”

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), America’s Cultural Ambassador to the World, grew from a now fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Today, led by Artistic Director, Judith Jamison, AAADT has performed for an estimated 21 million people in 48 states and in 71 countries on 6 continents, including two historic residencies in South Africa, promoting the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance. Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. is the umbrella organization which includes AAADT; Ailey II (1974) a junior 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, dance and fitness classes for the general public.

The mission of The Joyce Theater is to advance the art of dance and choreography in all its richness and variety and to encourage, sustain, and educate a diverse audience. The Joyce serves a broad-based national and international dance community, and oversees two of New York City’s leading dance venues:The Joyce Theater, an affordable, 472-seat, state-of-the-art theater in Chelsea; and Joyce SoHo, a dance center that offers three fully equipped studios at highly subsidized rates for rehearsals and performancesto independent choreographers and nonprofit dance companies.

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) is recognized internationally for its innovative programming of dance, music, theater, music-theater, opera, and film. BAM presents leading national and international artists and companies in its annual Spring Season and highlights groundbreaking, contemporary work inthe performing arts with its Next Wave Festival each fall. Founded in 1983, the Next Wave is one of the world’s most important festivals of contemporary performing arts.
BAM Rose Cinemas features new,independent film releases and BAMcinématek – a curated, daily repertory film program. BAM, America’s oldest performing arts center in continuous operation, has presented performances since 1861, and attracts an audience of more than 450,000 people each year. The institution is led by President Karen Brooks Hopkins and Executive Producer Joseph V. Melillo—each of whom has been associated with BAM for more than 25 years.

The Joyce Theater presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at BAM from June 3 – 8 at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House (30 Lafayette Avenue). Tickets range from $20-$70 and can be purchased at BAM.org or by calling (718) 636-4100. For Group Sales rates contact (212) 691-9740 ext. 410. Program A: “Classic Ailey” June 3 & 6 at 7:30pm; June 8 at 3pm & 7:30pm; Program B: “Best Of” June 4 & 5 at 7:30pm; June 7 at 2pm & 7:30pm. A Q&A with Judith Jamison & Camille A. Brown (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) moderated by choreographer Ronald K. Brown will follow the June 5 performance (free for same-day ticket holders). For more information, visit www.Joyce.org; www.AlvinAiley.org; or www.BAM.org.

Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, Q, B to Atlantic Avenue;D, M, N, R to Pacific Street; G to Fulton Street; C to Lafayette Avenue Train: Long Island Railroad to Flatbush Avenue Bus: B25, B26, B41, B45, B52, B63, B67 all stop within three blocks of BAM Car: Commercial parking lots are located adjacent to BAM For ticket and BAMbus information, call BAM Ticket Services at 718.636.4100, or visit BAM.org.

 

 

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