Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Comes to Chicago, 2/28-3/9

Celebrating the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey and his innovative, inspiring and thrilling work, 25 years after his passing, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, "long one of the nation's more cherished troupes," ("Chicago Tribune") graces the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University's landmark stage February 28 - March 9, 2014 as part of a 23-City U.S. Tour. Robert Battle returns for his third year as Artistic Director to lead the world renowned company as they continue to inspire and delight audiences with both new work as well as traditional pieces that have made "the Cultural Ambassadors" a staple on the international stage. Tickets ($32 - $92) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).

A Student Matinee performance is offered on February 28, open to any elementary through high school student for $12 each. Student matinee tickets are currently sold out. To be added to the waiting list, please call (312) 341-2357.

"Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's annual residency at the Auditorium is a highlight of our season for both our audience and our supporters. The Auditorium is delighted to be the company's Chicago home and host to the longest run of domestic performances by the company outside of New York City" said Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson. "We are honored to have these multi-faceted dancers, under the incredible leadership of Robert Battle, return year after year-treating our audiences to classic masterpieces as well as astounding new work. Sublime artists like the Ailey dancers have allowed the Auditorium to flourish for 125 years, and their continued presence on our stage will help the theatre survive for another 125 years to come."

Building on his first two successful seasons with the company, 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. "While the Ailey company knows how to cater to audiences, a more gratifying truth has emerged: The dancers are also generous with choreographers" ("The New York Times"). This is seen through their eclectic programming during the 2014 North American tour featuring new work, new choreographers and new vision. The Chicago program, featuring four Chicago premieres, includes Wayne McGregor's "Chroma;" "LIFT," the propulsive world premiere by in-demand choreographer Aszure Barton; Bill T. Jones' New York Dance and Performance ("Bessie") Award-winning work, "D-Man in the Waters;" "Four Corners," the fifth piece choreographed for the Alvin Ailey dancers by renowned choreographer Ronald K. Brown; three of Alvin Ailey's own pieces set to the incredible music stylings of the late Duke Ellington including "The River," "Night Creature" and "Pas de Duke;" as well as Ailey's personal masterpiece, "Revelations."

Artistic Director Robert Battle stands by Ailey's mission to inspire audiences in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. Battle's vision allows Ailey's extraordinary artists to push their limits with a diverse repertoire while connecting to audiences on various emotional levels.

"I'm thrilled to further expand Ailey's diverse repertory with new voices and talented contemporary choreographers that showcase the depth and breadth of the dancers' artistry," said Battle. "Audiences will be treated to bright new voices while also seeing some of the most renowned pieces re-imagined for the Ailey dancers. It always feels like 'coming home' when the company arrives in Chicago and we are embraced by the Auditorium audiences. We are thrilled to continue that long-standing tradition in 2014."

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