ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER RETURNS TO THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE, MARCH 2-6, 2022

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The Auditorium Theatre Presents 

Three unique programs: 

Photo by Dario Calmese

 Artistic Director Robert Battle’s 10th Anniversary celebration,

Ailey & Ellington program showcases Duke Ellington scores, and 

Return of Rennie Harris’ powerful two-act Lazarus,

plus, Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations is the inspiring finale of all performances.

Tickets now on sale!

I can't wait to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater once again. I'll be out to review on Friday, March 4th, so check back with ChiILMama.com early and often. 

The Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly presents the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America’s beloved cultural ambassador to the world, for six performances only, March 2-6, 2022.  Marking a decade of leading the Company forward, Artistic Director Robert Battle presents a diverse repertory featuring Ailey’s renowned artists, including Chicago natives Solomon Dumas and Vernard Gilmore, who is now celebrating his 25th anniversary with the company. 

Three unique programs with premieres, new productions and Ailey classics include the Battle 10th Anniversary program, which opens the Chicago engagement and features 

the Chicago premiere of Battle’s For Four adapted from video to stage; the return of hip-hop innovator Rennie Harris’s acclaimed Lazarus; and an Ailey & Ellington program showcasing new productions of beloved works paying tribute to Duke Ellington.  Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece Revelations, which has inspired generations through its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring spirituals since its creation in 1960, will serve as the finale for all performances.  

“For over 50 years, the Auditorium Theatre has proudly welcomed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as one of its Visiting Resident Companies,” said Auditorium Theatre CEO Rich Regan. It has been a pleasure to see how this world-class dance company has blossomed under the leadership of Ailey Artistic Director Robert Battle and we look forward to celebrating his 10th anniversary. And after a year’s absence, as Chicago audiences return to theatergoing, among the most anticipated events are performances by this joyous, iconic company.”

“Alvin Ailey’s vision provided the opportunity for generations of artists to use dance to inspire, unite and enlighten,” added Artistic Director Robert Battle. “Despite the twists and turns on the road we have all traveled together, we are excited to be returning to our Chicago home at the Auditorium Theatre while finding new ways to share artistry that renews our spirit of courage, hope, and joy. I am deeply humbled to have led this seminal Company for a decade, joined by incomparable dancers and choreographers on a journey of discovery that extends from the powerful works of our founder to the important voices of today – an ongoing dance dialogue that shines a light on the strength and resilience of our common humanity around the world.”

PROGRAM A: The Chicago engagement opens with the Battle 10th Anniversary program Wednesday, March 2, at 7:30pm, celebrating Robert Battle’s visionary leadership that has moved the Company forward in exciting ways into a seventh decade. The performance unveils the Chicago premiere of Battle’s For Four, translated from dance film to the center stage, set to a Wynton Marsalis delicious jazz score written in 4/4 time, which captures the pent-up energy of a world cooped up during the pandemic. The evening will also include a new production of Battle’s sensuous, swirling duet Unfold, plus Mass, Ella, In/Side, Love Stories finale, and Takademe.  PROGRAM A: The Battle 10th Anniversary program repeats on Saturday, March 5, at 8pm.

PROGRAM B: Ailey & Ellington spotlights new productions of Pas de Duke, Reflections in D, and The River Thursday, March 3, at 7:30pm.  This trio of cherished gems is among more than a dozen ballets Alvin Ailey created celebrating the musical genius of the eminent American composer Duke Ellington that have become cherished Ailey classics. Pas de Duke was Ailey’s modern dance translation of a classical pas de deux honoring two of the most renowned dancers in the world, Judith Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Reflections in D highlights the grace of the male dancer in a stunning, masterful expression of Duke Ellington’s composition. The River, originally choreographed in 1970 for American Ballet Theatre and first performed by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1980, combines classical ballet, modern dance, and jazz in sections suggesting tumbling rapids and slow currents on a voyage to the great sea, mirroring the journey of human existence. Also on the bill is perennial favorite Blues Suite, Ailey’s original masterpiece that launched the Company during its first performance in 1958. PROGRAM B: The Ailey & Ellington program repeats on Saturday, March 5, at 2pm. * A conversation with Company artists will take place immediately following the Saturday matinee. 

PROGRAM C: Hip-hop innovator Rennie Harris’ acclaimed Lazarus, a powerful ensemble work inspired by the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey, returns to the Auditorium Theatre stage Friday, March 4, at 7:30pm. The acclaimed creation of Ailey’s first two-act ballet is featured in the must-see AILEY documentary that opened the 36th season of PBS American Masters and is available to watch online for free through February 11 (visit pbs.org for more information to watch) and Hulu with a subscription. Director Jamila Wignot’s resonant biography is told through Ailey’s own words, along with interviews of those close to him, evocative archival footage, and historic performances. PROGRAM C: Lazarus repeats on Sunday, March 6, at 3pm.  

In addition to the variety of exciting repertory, the inspiring finale of all programs will be Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece, Revelations, acclaimed around the world for sending hearts soaring and lifting audiences to their feet. Since its debut in 1960, Revelations has been seen by more people than any other modern dance work and has moved audiences through its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring music, evoking timeless themes of determination, hope, and transcendence. Springing from Ailey’s childhood memories of growing up in the south and attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas, Revelations pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African American and explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition.

Performance schedule and tickets

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the Auditorium Theatre: Wednesday, March 2, at 7:30pm; Thursday, March 3, at 7:30pm; Friday, March 4, at 7:30pm; Saturday, March 5, at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, March 6, at 3pm.  

Tickets start at $40 and are available at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling 312.341.2300, or at the Box Office at 50 E Ida B Wells Drive in Chicago, IL. Click here for phone and in-person hours.  Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is part of the Auditorium Theatre's International Dance Series offering a 20% discount that also includes Ballet Hispanico, March 26 & 27.  Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre may also be added to the Auditorium Theatre’s “Create Your Own” Series subscription offering a 15-25% discount. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more people are also available. The Auditorium Theatre offers $15 student rush tickets to full-time college students and $5 tickets to young people ages 13-19 with Urban Gateways' Teen Arts Pass program. The Auditorium also offers a Student Savings Club for both college and high school students. The Auditorium Theatre's ADMIT ONE program offers complimentary tickets to Chicago-area community groups. 

Special thanks

The Auditorium Theatre is grateful for the support of 2021-22 Season Dance Sponsor, The Florian Fund; Alvin Ailey National Tour Sponsor, Bank of America; Alvin Ailey Chicago Performance Sponsor, Denise Littlefield Sobel; and 2021-22 Student Matinee Series Sponsors The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation and Denise Littlefield Sobel; with commissioning support for Lazarus provided by the Auditorium Theatre with sponsorship support from Ariel Investments, Avison Young, and Svoboda Capital Partners. 

The Auditorium Theatre 2021-22 Season is made possible in part with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The Auditorium’s official hotel partner is the Palmer House Hilton and their official magazine is Chicago magazine.

About Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

In 1958, Alvin Ailey and a small group of dancers took the stage in New York and forever changed American dance and culture. One of the country’s groundbreaking greats, his Company inspires all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African American cultural experience and the modern dance tradition. Now in its seventh decade, Ailey continues to move forward under the leadership of Robert Battle, revealing time and again why Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the world’s most beloved dance companies.  For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org

About The Auditorium Theatre 

The Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive at Roosevelt University in Chicago, is an Illinois not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community, and educational programming to all of Chicago and beyond as The Theatre for the People. The organization also is committed to the continued restoration and preservation of this National Historic Landmark that originally opened in 1889. For a complete listing of events at the Auditorium Theatre, please visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.


The Auditorium Theatre is fully committed to the health and safety of our patrons and our staff. For this event, patrons 5 and over are REQUIRED to show proof of vaccination at the door. Guests under 5 may gain entry by wearing a mask at all times when not eating and drinking. All guests must wear a mask when not eating or drinking. Click here for the most current safety protocols.  


OPENING: ALVIN AILEY is Back Home At AUDITORIUM THEATRE 3/6-15. Tickets Going Fast!

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER RETURNS TO THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE

WITH SIX CHICAGO PREMIERES AND CLASSIC FAVORITES

MARCH 6 – 15, 2015 

Artistic Director Robert Battle Brings Company Back to Their Chicago Home After Accepting Presidential Medal of Freedom Honoring the Powerful Legacy of Alvin Ailey. 

ChiIL Mama's elated to be in the audience for the opening night of Alvin Ailey's triumphant homecoming this Friday, March 6th. Check back early and often for our full reviews. In the meantime, don't miss this! Book your tickets now. 

Returning to Chicago for the longest stop on a robust 18-city U.S. Tour, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater graces the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University’s landmark stage March 6 – 15, 2015. After accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle leads the company for his fourth year as Artistic Director challenging “America’s Cultural Ambassador to the World” with bold new work as well as classic favorites. 

Tickets ($32 – $97) are on sale now and available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Pkwy). Student Matinee performances are offered on March 12 and 13, open to any elementary through high school student for $15 each. For more information please call (312) 341-2357.

“For over 45 years the Auditorium has been the Chicago home for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and we are once again thrilled to have them back on our stage to celebrate with us during our milestone 125^th Anniversary Season,” said Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson. “The Presidential Medal of Freedom that was recently awarded to Alvin Ailey could not have been more deserved and speaks to the long lasting legacy that Mr. Ailey, Judith Jamison and now Robert Battle continue to carry on from generation to generation.”

Artistic Director Robert Battle who “[takes] the troupe in new directions while maintaining its beloved traditions,” (Chicago Tribune) continues to enhance the already rich repertory of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater by combining a vibrant array of new choreographic voices with classical and traditional pieces. Not only does Battle bring in choreographers from around the world to work with the company, he also looks inside the Ailey family as seen with the recent premiere of “ODETTA” by Ailey dancer and Rehearsal Director Matthew Rushing. The diverse Chicago  programming also features exciting new work including the company premieres of Christopher Wheeldon’s “After the Rain (Pas de Deux),” Hofesh Shechter’s “Uprising,” Ulysses Dove’s “Bad Blood,” Asadata Dafora’s “Awassa Astrige/Ostrich” and Hans van Manen’s “Polish Pieces.”

Other pieces include Ronald K. Brown’s “Grace,” Ulysses Dove’s “Episodes” as well as Ailey’s personal masterpiece, “Revelations.”

“After celebrating 25 years since the passing of Alvin Ailey and accepting the Presidential Medal of Honor on his behalf, it is only fitting that we return to our second home, Chicago, to celebrate with them during their 125^th Anniversary,” said Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle. “Just as Mr. Ailey told a story through dance, the Auditorium tells a story through the incredible history of talent that has graced its stage. We are always thrilled to present both new work and some of our favorites to the Chicago audiences and we look forward to the next 125 years of performing at the Auditorium.”

Program Details

*Denotes Chicago Premiere

*ODETTA

Odetta Holmes–one of the most influential singers of the 20th century–is rediscovered as renowned Ailey dancer and Rehearsal Director Matthew Rushing marries soul-stirring movement to songs by the artist anointed “the queen of American folk music” by Martin Luther King, Jr. in “ODETTA.” Rushing’s world premiere for Ailey pays tribute to Holmes' life as a singer, songwriter, actress, activist and "the voice of the Civil Rights Movement” which the Associated Press proclaims “…the timing could hardly be more apt for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s new civil rights-themed piece.”  With a musical repertoire encompassing American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals, Odetta influenced many key figures of the 1960s folk-revival scene including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mavis Staples and Janis Joplin. With projections by artist Stephen Alcorn, “ODETTA” marks Rushing's third ballet created for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The cast of 12 perform to spoken word and songs by Odetta, including “This Little Light of Mine,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Cool Water” and “Glory, Glory.” It also includes an original recording of the “Freedom Trilogy” Odetta famously performed at the 1963 March on Washington that was recreated for the ballet by Ysaye M. Barnwell. “ODETTA” was created with the support of commissioning funds from New York City Center.

*After the Rain (Pas de Deux)

Christopher Wheeldon’s “After the Rain” premiered in 2005 at New York City Ballet’s annual New Combinations Evening in which Dance Magazine stated, “rare is the ballet that resonates so profoundly with audiences that it becomes an instant hit.” A ballet in two parts, the company will perform the work’s second section, a male-female pas de deux that has become a standalone piece. Praised for its sublime simplicity and intricate partnering, it will be revealed in a fresh light as the Ailey dancers make it their own. Set to music by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, the sensual duet has resonated deeply with audiences and will be the first work by Christopher Wheeldon to enter the Ailey repertory.

*Uprising

Hofesh Shechter, “one of the most inventive new choreographic voices to turn up in quite a while,” (The New York Times) created his critically-acclaimed piece “Uprising” in 2006. The first piece of Shechter’s to enter into the Ailey repertory features seven men who emerge from the shadows to bombard the stage with furious intensity, bonding and sparring in a highly charged work set to a percussive score by the choreographer himself. Widely considered his breakthrough work, “Uprising” defined Shechter as a new rebellious voice in dance with an untouchable ability to captivate audiences and set hearts pounding. Utilizing a movement style that is primal and imbued with a certain high-tension energy, the Israeli-born Shechter has risen to become one of Europe’s most sought-after dance creators since his move to London in 2002.

*Bad Blood

In “Bad Blood,” choreographed by Ulysses Dove in 1986, passionate emotions and kinetic, athletic energy encapsulate the powerful yet extremely tender war between the sexes, asking the question “can we be a duo and an individual at the same time?” In a desperate and futile search for connection through physical impact, the seven dancers leapfrog over one another, hurl and fling themselves at each other, ending up in fierce and violent embraces. With music by Laurie Anderson and Peter Gabriel, “Bad Blood” was the precursor to two other Dove ballets on the same theme, “Episodes” (which can be seen in different Ailey programs during their Chicago visit) and “Urban Folk Dance,” and was the fourth of what would eventually be seven Dove ballets performed by Ailey dancers. Ulysses Dove has been hailed as one of the most exciting choreographers to emerge in the latter half of the twentieth century, renowned for a style that merged the influences of his choreographic mentors, Alvin Ailey and Merce Cunningham.

*Awassa Astrige/Ostrich

Set to Carl Riley’s score of African drumming and flute, Sierra Leone-born choreographer Asadata Dafora’s “Awassa Astrige/Ostrich” was one of the first modern dance compositions to fuse African movements with Western staging. This groundbreaking 1932 solo—showcasing a man with arms flapping like wings, torso rippling and head held high, depicts a warrior transforming into the proud, powerful ostrich — the king of birds.

*Polish Pieces

In “Polish Pieces,” Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen displays his mastery for building dazzling creations from simple motifs and geometric patterns. Driven by the rhythms of Henryk Górecki’s score, the 12 dancers in this colorful ensemble work create a brilliant kaleidoscope of energy in pulsating group sections that the New York Times says is “a beautifully rehearsed ensemble, bobbing dynamically through changing angular shapes.”

Grace

Ronald K. Brown’s landmark “Grace,” created for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1999, returns in a rapturous, spiritually-charged new production. Infused with Brown’s signature blend of modern dance and West African idioms, this moving journey acknowledging the grace that surrounds us all is set to Duke Ellington's classic "Come Sunday," Roy Davis' hit "Gabriel," and the powerful rhythms of Fela Kuti's Afro-Pop. Brown has created and presented dances since 1985 with his company Evidence and honors include the Bessie Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the American Dance Festival Humphrey/Weidman/Limon Award, among others. Most recently he received accolades for his Astaire award-winning choreography for the Broadway revival of The Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” Says Battle, “Brown’s choreography uses African dance in a unique and potent way. ‘Grace’ is a brilliant work, and an important part of the Ailey repertory. From the beautiful opening solo…there are elements that represent both the religious and secular. The strong tension between these two opposites, and how they sometimes reflect one another, remains gripping right to the very end.”

Episodes

Former Alvin Ailey dancer turned choreographer Ulysses Dove first created his explosive choreographic masterpiece, “Episodes,” for the classical London Festival Ballet in 1987 where the piece was danced in bare feet. The following year, Dove re-choreographed the dance en pointe for Patrick Dupond’s Ballet Francais de Nancy and in 1989, Alvin Ailey took “Episodes” into the repertory of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, allowing audiences a glimpse of what dance would look like in the next century. Like his mentor Ailey, who was always exploring the battle of the sexes in his choreography, Dove sharply exposed the eternal dilemma of men and women—can we live with each other or can we live without each other? —to a provocative score by Robert Ruggieri.

Revelations

Rounding out the program is one of Alvin Ailey’s personal masterpieces that has become a signature American classic. “Revelations,” (1960) a suite of dances that fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul, will be performed at each performance throughout the two weekend engagement.

Community Engagement Programming

In tandem with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Auditorium’s Department of Creative Engagement utilizes innovative programming to engage Chicago students and the community by highlighting the importance of dance and artistic expression.

The Auditorium Theatre Master Class Series continues with four Ailey Master Class opportunities.  High school, pre-professional, and adult dancers with intermediate to advanced dance experience are invited to learn from some of the most accomplished dancers working today in various dance styles including hip-hop, modern and Horton technique. Classes take place on Saturday, March 7 and Saturday, March 14, 2015 and are free for all CPS Students, $10 for college students and $20 for dancers. All classes are limited to 30 participants. For more information or to sign up, please email atru-education@auditoriumtheatre.org or call (312) 341-2359 for an application. 

For the third year, the Department of Creative Engagement in partnership with the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) Network, presents the “Revelations” Residency Program February 23 – 27. This unique five day program, taking place at Collins Academy High School (1313 S. Sacramento Dr.), is offered to junior high school and high school students in Chicago’s North Lawndale community.  Led by former principal Ailey dancer and National Director /Spokesperson & Master Teacher Nasha Thomas-Schmitt, as well as other Alvin Ailey Arts in Education teaching artists, students will learn about community building, expression through dance and how to, like Alvin Ailey, transform their own “blood memories” into moving works of art. Students will also learn about the life and legacy of Ailey as well as part of his signature piece, “Revelations.” On February 27 at 5pm community parents, friends and any and all members of the Chicago community are invited to Collins Academy for a free performance where the students will showcase their learning and personal choreography with a reception to follow. 

The Ailey Arts in Education team will also be leading a series of dance workshops with elementary school students and college and career conversations with Chicago area high school students throughout the week of March 9.

Program Schedule and Ticket Information

Week 1

Friday, March 6 | 7:30pm: ODETTA / Episodes / Revelations

Saturday, March 7 | 2:00 & 8:00pm: Polish Pieces / Awassa Astrige-Ostrich / Bad Blood/ Revelations

Sunday, March 8 | 3:00pm: ODETTA / Episodes / Revelations    

Week 2

Thursday, March 12 | 7:30pm: Grace / Uprising / After the Rain (Pas de Deux) / Revelations

Friday, March 13 | 7:30pm: ODETTA / Episodes / Revelations    

Saturday, March 14 | 2:00pm: ODETTA / Episodes / Revelations    

Saturday, March 14 | 8:00pm: Grace / Uprising / After the Rain (Pas de Deux) / Revelations

Sunday, March 15 | 3:00pm: Polish Pieces / Awassa Astrige-Ostrich / Bad Blood / Revelations

Tickets ($32 – $97) are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or in-person at Auditorium Theatre’s Box Office (50 E. Congress Pkwy). Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available at (312) 341-2357 or sales@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is part of the Auditorium’s International Dance Series, which also includes Grupo Corpo, Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg and The Royal Ballet’s “Don Quixote”. Subscriptions are available at a 30% discount at (312) 341-2357 or at AuditoriumTheatre.org.

Student Matinees

Thursday, March 12 | 11:00am: ODETTA excerpt / Revelations

Friday, March 13 | 11:00am: ODETTA excerpt / Revelations

The Ailey student matinee performances are available to elementary through high school student groups of 10 or more for $15 each. For more information, please call (312) 341-2357.

Join us at one of these special Ailey events! Learn Revelations with an Ailey Dancer! MAR 12 | 5:30 Workshop | 7:30 Show Mini workshop + reception + show  Tickets only $45!* Buy now with code Revelations Young Professionals Night  MAR 13 | 6 Reception | 7:30 Show Mix. Mingle. Network. Connect.  Tickets only $45!* Buy now with code YoungPro Master Classes MAR 7 & MAR 14 Take a master class from an Ailey dancer! All Classes Take Place in the Katten Landau Studio (425 S Wabash, 4th floor) $20/dancer, FREE for high school students Learn more and register

The International Dance Series is sponsored by the NIB Foundation.

Auditorium Theatre’s 2014 – 15 Season:

The Auditorium Theatre 2014 – 15 Season also includes Grupo Corpo (February 28 – March 1); River North Dance Chicago (March 28); Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg (May 8 – 10); Chicago Rhythm Fest (May 13); “His Way -  Sinatra’s Centennial Celebration” (May 30); and The Royal Ballet’s “Don Quixote” (June 18 – 21). For a complete listing of events at the Auditorium Theatre, please click here.

125^th Anniversary Season Sponsors

The Auditorium Theatre would like to thank their 125^th Anniversary Season Sponsors: Lead Corporate Sponsor Nicor Gas, Lead Foundation Sponsor Robert R. McCormick Foundation and David D. Hiller, International Dance Series Sponsor NIB Foundation, and “Made in Chicago” Dance Series sponsor The Boeing Company. Media sponsors include Chicago Magazine and WXRT, and the Pasquinelli Family Foundation is the Gala Dinner Celebration Sponsor. Student Matinee Series Sponsors for the 2014 – 15 Season include The Private Bank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation.

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. In September of 2014, the Auditorium Theatre was awarded the inaugural Fifth Star Award by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. On December 9, 2014, the Auditorium Theatre celebrated its 125^th Birthday with a proclamation from the City of Chicago declaring it “Auditorium Theatre Day.”

The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, the Sage Foundation, and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theatre tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

About Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” grew from a now‐fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Founded by Alvin Ailey, recent posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor, and guided by Judith Jamison beginning in 1989, the Company is now led by Robert Battle, whom Judith Jamison chose to succeed her on July 1, 2011. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 23 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents, promoting the uniqueness of the African‐American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. In addition to being the Principal Dance Company of New York City Center, where its performances have become a year‐end tradition, the Ailey company performs annually at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami‐Dade County in Miami, The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark  (where it is the Principal Resident Affiliate), and appears frequently in other major theaters throughout the United States and the world during extensive yearly tours. The Ailey organization also includes Ailey II (1974), a second 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 (2005), a program offering dance and fitness classes to the general public, which began with the opening of Ailey’s permanent home — the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the dance capital of the world — named The Joan Weill Center for Dance, at 55th Street at 9th Avenue in New York City.  For more information, visit alvinailey.org.