Alvin Ailey Dance Releases 50th Anniversary Finale at BAM CD- DVD Set

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announces special music and video releases to coincide with "Best Of" and "Classic Ailey" performances at BAM's Howard Gilman Opera House (30 Lafayette Avenue) from June 9-14. A commemorative edition DVD of Judith Jamison's Emmy-winning 'A Hymn for Alvin Ailey' television special will be available along with the soundtrack to Alvin Ailey's landmark Blues Suite, on CD for the first time.

The New York Times called 'A Hymn for Alvin Ailey' (1999) a "high point" of PBS' "Great Performances: Dance in America" series with "words as eloquent as Ailey's best choreography" that served as "a compelling primer for people new to Ailey's work as well as material for thought for those familiar with it." Inspired by her ballet Hymn, Judith Jamison innovatively collaborated with performance artist/actress Anna Deavere Smith and acclaimed filmmaker Orlando Bagwell to create a spellbinding blend of theater and dance. Using archival footage and interviews, along with performance footage, it tells the story of a man who transformed American modern dance and culture. On Tuesday, June 2nd at 6pm 'A Hymn for Alvin Ailey' will be screened in the "Alvin Ailey Room" of the 115th Street Branch of the New York Public Library.
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The Blues Suite soundtrack CD includes all 11 songs from the ballet that launched the Company in 1958. Alvin Ailey's "blood memories" of rural, Depression-era Texas, come to life in Blues Suite, vividly evoking the sorrow, humor and humanity of the blues, songs that Ailey called "hymns to the secular regions of the soul."

In addition to 'A Hymn for Alvin Ailey' DVD ($30) and Alvin Ailey's 'Blues Suite' CD ($25), other commemorative merchandise on sale at BAM, Ailey's Boutique (405 West 55th Street) and and The Ailey E-Boutique (www.aileyboutique.com <http://www.aileyboutique.com> ) include: The Ailey Barbie Doll, Hallmark Ailey greeting cards; Ailey Ascending, a photographic art book by Andrew Eccles; Ailey Movado Museum Time Piece; and A Young Dancer: The Life of an Ailey Student, a children's book by Valerie Gladstone and Jose Ivey.

From June 9-14, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre will perform highlights of the Company's diverse repertory from the past five decades in two special programs. "Best Of" includes the premiere of a new production of Hymn, Ms. Jamison's award winning tribute to Mr. Ailey, and Tony Award winning choreographer George Faison's Suite Otis. "Classic Ailey" includes Ailey's groundbreaking 1958 ballet Blues Suite, first seen at the Company's premiere performance, and Anniversary Highlights, excerpts from rarely-seen gems and favorite works that illustrate the range and resonance of Alvin Ailey's choreographic legacy. Mr. Ailey's quintessential masterpiece, Revelations will provide the rousing finale to both programs. Tickets range from $20-$85 and can be purchased online at alvinailey.org or BAM.org and by calling (718) 636-4100.

Ailey's BAM audiences are offered a free "Ticket to Dance"- a complimentary class from The Ailey Extension with a ticket stub from Ailey's BAM performances. Valid for one year from performance date at Ailey's permanent home, The Joan Weill Center for Dance (405 West 55th Street), the offer includes one free class for first time students. Returning students will receive one free class when purchasing a 10-class card.