Trinidadian-American dancer Hannah Alissa Richardson says she is proud to be part of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 65th Anniversary celebration.
“To be part of this incredible organization is a dream come true,” Richardson told Caribbean Life over the weekend. “And to be part of the 65th Anniversary programs celebrating not only the legacy and works of Mr. Ailey but also giving a much deserving tribute to the women, whose elegant strong shoulders I stand on, is indeed an honor and blessing.”
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 65th anniversary season swings into the final week of its holiday season engagement, with an exciting lineup of performances that it said will continue to “captivate New York City audiences.”
“Before the season comes to an end, fans have just a few more chances to witness Ailey’s artists in various programs showcasing the season’s new works, as well as returning favorites, and a few pieces from Alvin Ailey, including his must-see signature masterpiece ‘Revelations,’” the dance company said.
It said fans can see “Revelations” on Dec. 27, Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, and that the season will end on a high note, with “a very special New Year’s Eve performance full of vitality.”
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said it kicks off with Amy Hall Garner’s energetic “Century” – “a deeply personal piece inspired by her grandfather on the eve of his 100th birthday set to the music of Ray Charles, Count Basie, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more.”
The program also includes Act II of ‘Ailey Classics’, featuring the “strong yet serene solo Reflections in D, along with highlights from the spirited duet Pas de Duke, the commanding choreography in Masekela Langage, the comical meandering of Opus McShann, the lyrical solo from Love Songs, and the magical Charlie Parker tribute For ‘Bird’ – With Love.”
“After viewing Ailey’s inspiring artists light up the New York City Center stage, fans of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to get moving with Ailey Extension by joining in the dance online or in-studio at Ailey’s home at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – New York’s largest building dedicated to dance,” Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said.
On Jan. 6 at 4:30 p.m., it said a Celebrating Alvin Ailey Workshop with Assistant Rehearsal Director and former Ailey dancer Clifton Brown will take participants through choreography inspired by Ailey’s work “as they learn about his impact on the dance world and American history.”
Starting Jan. 29, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said a Spring Performance Workshop “lets students live out their dreams of rehearsing original choreography from prominent NYC instructors to perform in front of family and friends at the Ailey Citigroup Theater on May 9 and 10.”
It said kids and teens ages 7 – 17 can also join in the dance learning ballet, contemporary and hip-hop techniques with their peers during the Kids & Teens Winter/Spring session, which runs Jan. 7 – May 12.
For more information about these workshops and more ways to keep dancing with Ailey’s elite instructors seven days a week, please visit alvinailey.org/extension.
Following the New York City Center engagement, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said Ailey’s artists will prepare to embark on a coast-to-coast US Tour from Jan. 25 – May 12, 2024, visiting nearly 20 cities including Atlanta, Chicago, DC, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Nashville and Newark.
For information on how to experience “the magic of Ailey,” visit alvinailey.org.
