Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Announces Classes for Kids and Teens to Launch in September

Classes for Kids and Teens are back this September at The Ailey Extension in conjunction with the new school year and National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Starting Sunday, September 7th, tailor-made classes will bring dance and fitness to young people, including: Tiny Steps, a unique experience for 2-year-olds, Hip-Hop 4 Kids (ages 7-11), and the Teen Extension Series (ages 12-17), with ballet, jazz or hip-hop. Weekly classes are taught in a "no-pressure" environment allowing students to gain confidence not only in their dancing abilities, but in themselves.

The Today Show "Hope to It" series spotlighted the standing ovations and life-changing impact presented at this summer's final performances ofAileyCamp, a six week full-scholarship day camp in nine cities that uses the art of dance as a means to stretch the minds, bodies and spirits of underserved students ages 11-14.

In the back to school spirit, Ailey Arts In Education is bringing AileyDance Kids residencies and programs to over 40 public, private and charter schools in the NY metro area and four Newark Public Schools. Additionally, Ailey will be conducting four year-long residencies as part of the School's Out New York City (SONYC) after school program for 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

Just Added: Morning Energy Harvest Yoga Classes in September for National Yoga Month

Instructor Keisha Bolden introduces the Energy Harvest Yoga technique to The Ailey Extension starting this September for National Yoga Month - designated by the Department of Health & Human Services to highlight yoga's health benefits. Energy Harvest Yoga blends traditional hatha yoga with vinyasa flow, harnessing personal power and strength and using breath to guide movement on a rejuvenating journey for mind and body. During National Yoga Month, try Energy Harvest Yoga (Wednesdays at 9am) or Power Ashtanga Yoga with Irini Res (on Wednesdays and Fridays at7:30pm or Sundays at 5pm) to extend summer relaxation into fall and winter, staying peaceful, energized and focused.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Holiday Season Features World Premiere of ODETTA and is Previewed by New York City Center Fall for Dance Performances

Linda Celeste Sims nominated for "Bessie" New York Dance and Performance Award Jacqueline Green to Receive Prestigious Princess Grace Foundation Award

After next week's completion of a two-month summer international tour, Ailey's extraordinary dancers will prepare for a New York City Center holiday season December 3, 2014 - January 4, 2015, launching 25 years after the passing of legendary founder Alvin Ailey. The world premiereODETTA, by Matthew Rushing, will pay tribute to Odetta Holmes' life as a singer, songwriter, actress and "voice of the Civil Rights Movement," coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Artistic Director Robert Battle has also commissioned company premieres by Christopher Wheeldon, Jacqulyn Buglisi and Hofesh Shechter - the first time works by these respected choreographers will be performed by Ailey.

It was recently announced that Ailey's Jacqueline Green will be receiving the prestigious Princess Grace Foundation Award on October 8th. Also, long-time company member Linda Celeste Simswas nominated for an Outstanding Performer "Bessie" New York Dance and Performance Awardand winners will be announced on October 20th.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's performances of Ohad Naharin's unique and innovativeMinus 16 will provide the memorable finale for the New York City Center Fall for Dance programs on October 11th and 12th

Ailey II's September 20th performances at Towson University will mark the start of their 35-city world tour running through April of 2015. The tour will take the 12 young and talented dancers to Jamaica, Canada, France and Germany among dozens of US cities. For his third season as Artistic Director, Troy Powell has commissioned a world premiere work called Breakthrough, by rising choreographer Manuel Vignoulle, and a company premiere of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater alumnus and Complexions Artistic Director, Dwight Rhoden's 2006 Hissy Fits. For more information on Ailey II's tour, click here.

Voices and Visions Annual Workshop in October, Unique Ailey Training and Performance Opportunity for Students of All Ages

The annual Voices & Visions Workshop offers students of all levels and ages a unique Ailey training and performance opportunity that culminates in a showcase held at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. In classes throughout October, participants will have the opportunity to explore a variety of techniques under the guidance of five renowned instructors: Karen Arceneaux, Jennifer Archibald,Christian Von Howard, Kristin Sudeikis, and Michael Leon Thomas

Photo Credit: Kyle Froman

To post a comment, you must register and login.