AILEY’S 50 YRS OF RELEVATION

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), recognized by U.S. Congress as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” will celebrate 50 years of Revelations across the globe from June 21 – Aug. 28 in various cities in Norway, Germany, Russia and Switzerland.

Performances during the 10-week international tour will include a mix of repertory favorites in addition to Alvin Ailey’s beloved “Revelations” – an American masterwork acclaimed as a must-see for all and hailed by Dance Magazine as ―the most popular modern dance piece of all time.

First premiered in 1960, Revelations has been performed for more people around the world than any other modern dance work, including appearances at the Olympic Games and The White House Dance Series: A Tribute to Judith Jamison presented by First Lady Michelle Obama. Most recently, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution, authored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, “recognizing the artistic and cultural contributions of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the 50th Anniversary of the first performance of Alvin Ailey’s masterwork, ‘Revelations’” and honoring the timeless classic “beloved by people around the world” with universal themes “that illustrate the strength and humanity within all of us.”

A short film will introduce “Revelations” at every performance, giving audiences the opportunity to learn about the inspiration, meaning and significance of this modern dance masterpiece that is a tribute to Alvin Ailey’s genius and the African American heritage.

Directed by Judy Kinberg, winner of seven primetime Emmy Awards, the short film includes historic performance footage and rare interviews with Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison translated into the language of each country visited.

“We are thrilled to share this exciting time in Ailey’s history,” said Ms. Jamison. “Our journey began 52 years ago with Alvin Ailey’s groundbreaking vision. His “Revelations” is a profound manifestation of how dance can celebrate the human spirit and impact our hearts and minds. During this memorable season, as we welcome Artistic Director Designate Robert Battle, join my incredible dancers who are shining their light brightly as we look toward another five decades of inspiring performances.”

Ailey’s extended international engagement will mark the passing of the artistic director mantle on July 1 to Robert Battle, whom Judith Jamison has chosen as her successor. “It has been truly amazing and humbling to work with Ms. Jamison and tour the world with Ailey’s marvelous artists this season,” said Battle.

Ailey’s extraordinary artists will move audiences with their brilliant artistry and passionate spirit in exciting premieres, dramatic new productions, revered classics, and repertory favorites. Among the tour’s premieres, is Christopher L. Huggins’ “Anointed,” a tribute to Ailey’s past, present and future, featuring the music of Moby and Sean Clements. The company will also debut “The Hunt,” Robert Battle’s explosive tour-de-force for six men that runs the gamut from modern sports to the rituals of the gladiators driven by a thundering percussion soundtrack by Les Tambours du Bronx.

Ailey’s 2011 International Tour will include performances in Oslo, Norway, on June 21-25; Moscow, Russia, on June 28-July 2; St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 4-6; Berlin, Germany, on July 12-17; Zurich, Switzerland, on July 19-31; Koln, Germany, on Aug. 2-14; Frankfurt, Germany, on Aug. 16-21 and Hamburg, Germany, on Aug. 23-28.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will return to the New York City Center stage with a variety of premieres and new productions for an annual holiday engagement from Nov. 30, 2011 – Jan. 1, 2012.