Thursday: Witness the World Premiere of Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s Me, Myself and You and a New Production of Hans van Manen’s Solo
Friday: Ailey’s Dancers Debut CENTURY – the first work from Ailey’s first ever
Artist-in-Residence Amy Hall Garner
This Week: Ailey Classics and All Ailey Programs Feature Returning Favorites including
Eight Chances to see Alvin Ailey’s Revelations
Next Week: Ailey & Jazz Performed with Live Music, Premiere of Alonzo King’s
Following the Subtle Current Upstream, and Returning Ailey Favorites
After an unforgettable first week beginning with an opening night gala honoring legendary Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison with a performance by Tony®, Emmy®, and GRAMMY® Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress, singer, author, producer, and the evening’s Honorary Co-chair Cynthia Erivo, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 65th anniversary season continues with two world premieres, a new production, and special programs highlighting the return of some of Alvin Ailey’s best loved ballets. Each of the eight performances during this second week of the five-week holiday season engagement concludes with Ailey’s must-see signature masterpiece Revelations.
- View the 2023 Opening Night Gala Sizzle Reel
On Thursday, December 7 at 7:30pm the Company presents the world premiere of the dreamlike duet Me, Myself and You by former Ailey dancer Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish. A dance about reminiscence set to Damien Sneed and Brandie Sutton’s rendition of “In A Sentimental Mood,” this work conjures the memories of love and passion for a woman asking herself if she should let go or forge ahead. [There are five more chances to see Me, Myself and You this season: Dec. 9 eve, Dec. 16 eve, Dec. 22 eve, Dec. 23 eve, Dec. 27 eve].
Thursday’s program also features a new production of Hans van Manen’s dynamic Solo, which divides three dancers in a tour-de-force that challenges the Ailey men’s daring, agility, and grace. This explosive display of virtuosity and wit, set to a Bach violin suite, launches the performers into an exhilarating whirlwind of movement and musicality [There are five more chances to see Me, Myself and You this season: Dec. 9 eve, Dec. 23 eve, Dec. 27 eve].
During this performance audiences will also see the season’s first performance of Survivors, Alvin Ailey’s impassioned tribute to the profound courage and terrible anguish of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, which has not been seen since 1988. A soundtrack of Max Roach’s richly varied drumming and Abbey Lincoln’s powerful vocals sets the emotional tone for a work that presents a portrait of people transformed by injustice and lifts up those who resist oppression in any form.
On Friday, December 8 at 8pm witness the world premiere of the first work from Ailey’s first-ever Artist-in-Residence Amy Hall Garner, CENTURY. This deeply personal piece inspired by her grandfather on the eve of his 100th birthday takes a cue from his spirited essence and is set to the music of Ray Charles, Count Basie, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more. CENTURY is a pure dance work celebrating life, resilience, and joy. [There are seven more chances to see CENTURY this season: Dec. 10 eve, Dec. 16 eve, Dec. 21 eve, Dec. 22 eve, Dec. 29 eve, Dec. 30 mat, Dec. 31 mat].
- Read Amy Hall Garner talk about making CENTURY in The New York Times
This week Ailey fans can also enjoy encore performances of the two-act Ailey Classicsprogram comprised of excerpts from some of Alvin Ailey’s beloved ballets tonight, Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30pm; and Sunday, December 10 at 3pm. An All Ailey program during the Saturday, December 9 2pm matinee includes the season’s first performances of Mr. Ailey’s bubbly Night Creature, tour-de-force solo Cry and moving tribute Memoria followed by a free Q&A with the dancers.
For information on how to experience the magic of Ailey, visit alvinailey.org.
CALENDAR LISTING INFORMATION
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies, returns to New York City Center November 29 – December 31, 2023, for an engagement that has become a joyous holiday tradition. Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will move audiences with world premieres by Amy Hall Garner and Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish along with new productions and a variety of repertory favorites. For this 65th anniversary season, highlights of a dozen works by founder Alvin Ailey will be presented in special programs, including performances featuring music by jazz greats and his American masterpiece Revelations, both danced to live music at selected performances. Tickets starting at $32 are on sale now at the New York City Center Box Office, through Customer Care at 212-581-1212, or online at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org. For further information, visit www.alvinailey.org.
Performance Times:
Opening Night Gala (November 29) 7pm (note earlier curtain time)
Tuesday – Thursday evenings 7:30pm
Wednesday matinee (Dec. 20 & 27) 2pm
Friday & Saturday evenings 8pm
Saturday Family matinees 2pm
Sunday matinees 3pm
New Year’s Eve matinee 2pm
For New York City Center season press release, click here.
For 2023 season images, click here.
For 2023 season sizzle reel, click here.
For additional photos and video, please visit pressroom.alvinailey.org.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13: FOLLOWING THE SUBTLE CURRENT UPSTREAM – NEW PRODUCTION
On Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30pm Alonzo King’s work investigates deeply rooted affinities between Western and Eastern classical forms, elemental materials, the natural world, and the human spirit. Described by choreographer Alonzo King as “a piece about how to return to joy,” Following the Subtle Current Upstream mirrors life’s boisterous waves and reminds us that everything in nature seeks to return to its source. King’s movement — abstract but steeped in meaning — sets the dancers in constant flow to an eclectic score by Zakir Hussain, Miguel Frasconi, and Miriam Makeba.
Performance Dates: Dec. 14 eve, Dec. 17 eve, Dec. 23 eve, Dec. 27 eve, Dec. 30 mat
AILEY & JAZZ
Audiences are in for a treat on Friday, December 15 at 8pm when Ailey & Jazz showcases some of Alvin Ailey’s jazz-infused audience favorites featuring live music by the rising stars of the Future of Jazz Orchestra, curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center. Made up of 15 outstanding jazz players ranging in age from 15-25, the talented musicians will partner with Ailey’s extraordinary dancers for three special performances this weekend. Ailey & Jazzincludes Night Creature, Reflections in D, and excerpts from additional Ailey ballets. One of Mr. Ailey’s most popular works, Night Creature is the perfect fusion of Ailey’s buoyant choreography and Ellington’s sparkling music. This production of Reflections in D is a strong yet serene solo originally created to highlight the grace, artistry, and power of the male dancer, which will be performed by a female soloist this season. The conclusion of this remarkable program is Ailey’s timeless must-see masterpiece Revelations.
Performance Dates: Dec. 15 eve Dec. 16 mat, Dec. 17 mat
FAMILY MATINEE SERIES
Each Saturday afternoon in December, bring the whole family to enjoy the performance and stay for a free Q & A with Ailey dancers in the theater following the inspiring finale of Revelations, acclaimed as a must-see for all ages.
Performance Dates: Dec. 9 mat, Dec. 16 mat, Dec. 23 mat, Dec. 30 mat
SPECIAL WORKSHOPS AT AILEY
AILEY CLASSICS WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 3:30PM | The Ailey Studios
Join world-renowned dancer, former Ailey Company member, and Ailey Extension instructor, Sarita Allen for a special workshop learning excerpts of choreography from iconic Alvin Ailey’s Night Creature, Masekela Langage, and Revelations. Ms. Allen was a leading member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and one of the original dancers in Night Creature, chosen by Alvin Ailey himself to perform the lead role.
CELEBRATING ALVIN AILEY WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 AT 4:30PM | The Ailey Studios
One of the most influential dance figures of the 20th century, the late Alvin Ailey continues to inspire people around the world today. On the week of what would have been Mr. Ailey’s 93rd birthday, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Assistant Rehearsal Director and former Ailey dancer of 20 years, Clifton Brown, will lead a special workshop where participants will explore Alvin Ailey’s genius as a choreographer. Brown will guide students through Mr. Ailey’s choreography and movement inspired by his work while learning more about his impact on both the dance world and American history.
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