Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Returns to Lincoln Center, 6/12-16

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world's most popular dance companies, returns to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts for the first time in 13 years for a seven-performance engagement at the David H. Koch Theater June 12-16, 2013. Today, Artistic Director Robert Battle announced repertory for the season anchored with a world premiere by celebrated choreographer Ronald K. Brown, along with encore performances of 2012-2013 season premieres and repertory favorites, including Alvin Ailey's acclaimed American masterpiece Revelations.

"I'm proud to lead Ailey's extraordinary dancers back to a renowned Lincoln Center stage after over a decade - it's a special milestone for me and the Company," said Artistic Director Robert Battle. "I'm also thrilled to announce the repertory, which will feature an inspiring new work from choreographer Ronald K. Brown, as well as the great choreographic voices of Alvin Ailey, Garth Fagan, Ji?í Kylián, and Ohad Naharin."

Ronald K. Brown's newest work, Four Corners, is being created especially for the Company's Koch Theater engagement and premieres on opening night. Set to the music of Carl Hancock Rux, Yacoub, and various artists, it brings to life the vision of four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds. Drawing inspiration from the lyrics of Rux's "Lamentations," Four Corners trails nine dancers on a powerful, challenging and hope-filled journey to seek a life of peace on the "mountaintop."

The opening program (also scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday matinee, and Sunday evening), includes an encore performance of Petite Mort - a ballet of visual surprises that showcases the sensuality, humor and virtuosity of Ailey's dancers by renowned European choreographer Ji?í Kylián.

Danced to two of Mozart's most popular piano concertos, it blends a classical sensibility with a bold, modern wit in an unforgettable duel of the sexes featuring six couples.

The alternate program on Thursday evening (repeating on Saturday evening and Sunday matinee) features Garth Fagan's From Before, Ronald K. Brown'sGrace, and Robert Battle's Takademe. Ailey's December premiere of From Before, a revered work blending the rhythms of African dance with Caribbean influences to a score by Grammy winner Ralph MacDonald, is the only staging for a company other than Garth Fagan Dance. Grace, which returned to the repertory this season, is infused with Brown's signature blend of modern dance and West African idioms and set to Duke Ellington's classic "Come Sunday," Roy Davis' hit "Gabriel," and the powerful rhythms of Fela Kuti's Afro-Pop. Takademe contains the complex, tightly woven rhythms of Indian Kathak dance in a percussive, fast-paced, propulsive work mimicking the vocalized rhythmic syllables of Sheila Chandra's jazzy song.

All programs, except for Saturday evening, will end with the inspiring Revelations, an American classic acclaimed as a must?see for all. Alvin Ailey's signature piece is a tribute to his heritage and a testament to his genius. Using African-American religious music - spirituals - this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

Saturday evening's program will conclude with Ohad Naharin's phenomenally inventive Minus 16, danced to an eclectic score ranging from Dean Martin to mambo, techno to traditional Israeli music. Using Naharin's acclaimed "Gaga" method to overcome old habits and make room for new movement and new experiences, this expansive ensemble work is unlike any other in the Ailey repertory in the way it challenges the dancers to improvise and breaks down barriers between audience and performers.

Tickets starting at $25 can be purchased beginning April 1st at the David H. Koch Box Office, by phone at 212-496-0600, and online atwww.alvinailey.org or www.lincolncenter.org. For further information about Ailey's performances, preferred seating for Amex (Gold, Platinum & Centurion) members, and discounts for groups and students, please visit www.alvinailey.org. Detailed schedule below.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is currently on a 21-city tour across the United States that returns to the tri-state area for performances on Mother's Day weekend from May 10th to 12th at the beautiful Prudential Hall of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, where Ailey is the Principal Resident Affiliate. The opening night performance on Friday, May 10th will be a 70th Birthday Celebration for the beloved and legendary Judith Jamison, now Artistic Director Emerita of the Company and NJPAC trustee. For the first-time ever at NJPAC, the performance finale will feature Revelations with a cast of 50 filling the stage and aisles (performed May 10 & 11). For schedule and tickets, visit www.njpac.org.