Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicked off its exciting 2016-17 season with a holiday engagement at New York City Center from November 30th – December 31st, which will be followed by a 19-city North American Tour. Artistic Director Robert Battle continues to expand the Company’s diverse repertory by presenting timely premieres and new productions that shine a spotlight on social issues and celebrate the marriage of America’s two great art forms – modern dance and jazz music.
Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will have many new opportunities to inspire audiences with:
- Kyle Abraham’sthree-part suite Untitled America (world premiere) examines the impact of the prison system on African-American families.
- Alvin Ailey’s Masekela Langage (1969/new production), portrays oppression that draws parallels between the era of South African apartheid and the race-induced violence in Chicago during the 1960s.
- Veteran Company member Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream.(world premiere) is inspired by the sermons and speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and set to original music composed by Ali Jackson (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and historic and original writings with narration recorded by Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton).
- Billy Wilson’s The Winter in Lisbon (new production) pays tribute to consummate jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie.
- Walking Mad (company premiere) brings revered Swedish choreographer Johan Inger’s daring work into the Aileyrepertory for the first time.
- Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti’s soulful ensemble work Deep brings to life music by rising global music stars Ibeyi.
Special performances throughout the season include programs featuring All New works; All Ailey featuring Company founder Alvin Ailey’s works; a special evening Celebrating Ronald K. Brown; Christmas performances; and live music accompanying select performances of Alvin Ailey’s Blues Suite and Revelations.
