Masazumi Chaya Celebrates 35 Years with Alvin Ailey Dance

On Tuesday, December 18, during Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's (AAADT) annual New York season at City Center, the Company will honor Masazumi Chaya, its esteemed associate artistic director, for his 35 years with the Company.  The evening will include performances of three pieces choreographed by Alvin Ailey; The River, Revelations, and a new production of Flowers, restaged by Chaya himself. Artistic Director Judith Jamison and the entire Ailey organization will salute Mr. Chaya for his unwavering commitment to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, his dedication to the art form and to bringing dance to audiences worldwide.

Born in Fukuoka, Japan, where he began his classical ballet training, Mr. Chaya has been an invaluable part of the Ailey organization.  After performing with the Company for 15 years, he was a revered rehearsal director.  In 1991, in recognition of his incredible devotion to Mr. Ailey, his remarkable talents and unique contributions, Judith Jamison asked Mr. Chaya to become the associate artistic director.  In this capacity, he has been a treasured asset to the Ailey organization and has acted as an ambassador for the Company, staging Mr. Ailey's works on numerous dance companies worldwide.  Over the years, his intimate knowledge of the Ailey repertory, his innate artistry and his boundless enthusiasm have been invaluable to the Company.  Mr. Chaya is being honored this year for his creative vision, his guidance and his strength.

AAADT has performed for more than 21 million people in 71 countries and on 6 continents.

Tickets are on sale now; prices range from $25 to $120. To order, please call City Center CityTix, 212-581-1212 or, outside of New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut, the toll-free number 877-581-1212. Order online at www.alvinailey.org or www.citycenter.org.

City Center is located on West 55th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues). Ailey DanceChance student tickets may be purchased for $10 (cash only) between 12 noon and 6 p.m. on the day of any Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday evening performance (except December 31), subject to availability. Tickets must be bought in person at the City Center box office, and the purchaser must possess a valid student ID. Limit one ID per person; one ticket per ID.

Evening performances, Wednesday through Saturday, are at 8PM; Tuesday evening curtain is at 7PM;. Sunday evening curtain is at 7:30PM;  The JP Morgan Chase International Family Matinees are on Saturdays at 2PM; Sunday matinees are at 3PM.

Photo of the Masazumi Chaya by Andrew Eccles

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