April 18, 2013

LAWT News Service

 

Following performances in New York City Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has returned to Los Angeles April from 17-21 with a six performance engagement at The Music Center and activities throughout the city. The company will also hold Revelations student residencies and master classes in schools across the city, sponsored by the Glorya Kaufman Dance Foundation.  Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle in his inaugural Music Center engagement, Ailey’s dancers, including guest artist Matthew Rushing from Los Angeles, will bring three programs to the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion:

AILEY SPIRIT (Sat Eve April 20) Ronald K. Brown’s landmark work Grace, created Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater in 1999, has returned to the repertory in a rapturous, spiritually-charged new production, and Ohad Naharin’s unique and innovative Minus 16, breaks down barriers between audience and performers.

21st CENTURY AILEY (Thur April 18, Sun Mat April 21) Another Night, by rising young choreographer Kyle Abraham, innovatively fuses the many dynamic facets of American dance and showcases the artistry and versatility of the Ailey dancers.  Artistic Director Robert Battle’s Strange Humors is a thrillingly intense duet, set to John Mackey’s propulsive score for strings and African drum that pits two men against each other.  Petite Mort, a ballet of breathtaking sensuality and visual surprises, marks the first time a work by renowned European choreographer Jiří Kylián appears in the Ailey repertory.

CLASSIC AILEY (Fri April 19, Sat Mat April 20) features a vibrant anthology of highlights from founder Alvin Ailey’s prolific 30-year career including sections from Memoria, Night Creature, Phases, Opus McShann, Love Songs, For “Bird” – With Love, Hidden Rites and Cry. 

“All programs culminate with Alvin Ailey’s timeless American masterpiece, Revelations,” said event organizers.

“The Ailey Organization, continuing its mission of using dance to educate, inspire and entertain by reaching young people, will brings its acclaimed Revelations: An Interdisciplinary Approach curriculum program, as well as Master Classes and Lecture-Demonstrations, to Los Angeles area schools,” they said.

“Utilizing Alvin Ailey's signature work, Revelations, the educational program is an inspirational framework for a comprehensive study of language arts, social studies, and dance.   Thanks to the support of Glorya Kaufman, the programs will reach students in Los Angeles area schools.”

On Friday April 19, Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center will host the AILEY DANCE PARTY on the 5th floor of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion immediately following the performance. The party will feature a live DJ, dancing with the Ailey dancers, food and cocktails.  Party tickets are $100 per person, and $75 of each ticket goes to support programs at The Music Center, including arts education and no-to-low-cost community programs.

“Given Alvin Ailey’s history with Los Angeles, the city where he grew up and began his journey in dance, it is only fitting that Ailey will be inspiring so many during the Company’s return,” stated Artistic Director Robert Battle.   “ I’m thrilled to showcase the depth and breadth of the dancers’ artistry  at the Music Center, with a diverse repertory featuring new treasures by  talented contemporary choreographers and a program that highlights the genius of our legendary founder.” 

Renae Williams Niles, Director of Programming for The Music Center, said, “Every time the Ailey company returns its a joyous homecoming as it was right here in Los Angeles that Ailey spent his formative years as a dance student, dancer and budding choreographer.  This year we will highlight the significance and universal allure of Ailey’s Revelations…”

Tickets are priced from $28-$110 and are available at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office, 135 North Grand Avenue.  Tickets are also available by calling (213) 972-0711 and online at musiccenter.org/events/dance. html.  For groups of 10 or more, call (213) 972-8555 or email MCgroup­ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Category: Arts & Culture