Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Moscow Launches Seasons in Russia

Welcomed warmly and wildly by Russian audiences, last week's Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances in Moscow launched "American Seasons in Russia," a year-long celebration of American arts and culture. Under the auspices of the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission (BPC), created by Presidents Obama and Medvedev to broaden and deepen U.S.-Russia cooperation in all areas, the series of performances by outstanding American artists will continue through April with the support of the U.S. Department of State and the Russian Ministry of Culture.

On Friday, July 1, the Company marked the historic passing of the Artistic Director mantle to Robert Battle, before traveling to St. Petersburg to celebrate the 4th of July with performances at the historic Mariinsky Theatre. After opening in Berlin on Tuesday, July 12, performances on the 10-week tour to Norway, Russia, Germany and Switzerland will continue until August 28. Led by Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's extraordinary artists will return to the New York City Center stage from November 30, 2011 - January 1, 2012 to inspire audiences with a variety of premieres, new productions and repertory classics.

Ailey II Takes France By Storm and Performs During Celebrate Brooklyn!

Ailey II's July 11th performance in Carcassonne, France will mark the completion of the company's six-city French summer tour. This year, Ailey II has toured to over 15 European cities, breaking new ground and charting new territory for second companies.
On August 6th, Ailey II will bring their youthful verve and energy to Brooklyn for a one night only performance for Celebrate Brooklyn! This free concert will feature the 12 member ensemble in Echoes, Doscongio, Proximity and Revelations. For more information visit: http://www.bricartsmedia.org/events/ailey-ii-revelations

The Ailey School Auditions Young Hopefuls for its Professional Division Programs

The Ailey School will hold auditions for its 2011-2012 Professional Division training programs on the following dates:

Saturday, July 16 at noon
Certificate Program (ages 17-23)
Independent Study Program (ages 17-25)

Sunday, July 17 at 10am for female dancers / 3pm for male dancers
Scholarship Program (ages 15-21)
The Ailey School offers one of the most extensive dance education programs in the world, training approximately 3,500 students and offering over 300 Scholarships annually, as well as a pioneering Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program with Fordham University. Now under the direction of Tracy Inman and Melanie Person, The Ailey School has a faculty of 75 dance specialists and has attracted students from over 93 countries.

Students of The Ailey School. Photo by Kyle Froman

Innovative AileyCamp Summer Program Launches in Newark, NJ

Ailey Campers. Photo by Nan Melville.
AileyCamp, the innovative full-scholarship summer day camp, recently launched for the first time in Newark, NJ, providing one hundred Newark-area middle school students with an inspiring program that uses the art of dance as a means to stretch their minds, bodies and spirits. During the six-week program, students ages 11-14 will learn important life skills through classes in a variety of dance techniques, as well as in personal development and creative communication.
AileyCamps will be held at ten sites throughout the United States this summer, giving approximately 1,000 inner-city students the opportunity to have life-changing and meaningful experiences.

2011 AileyCamp dates are as follows:
Atlanta, GA: June 6 - July 15
Kansas City, KS: June 13 - July 21
Kansas City, MO: June 13 - July 21
Boston, MA: June 27 - August 5
Berkeley, CA: June 27 - August 5
Chicago, IL: June 27 - August 5
Miami, FL: June 27 - August 5
Bridgeport, CT: July 5 - August 12
Newark, NJ: July 5 - August 12
New York, NY: July 5 - August 12

Back By Popular Demand! Hip Hop 4 Kids Workshop at The Ailey Extension

Teen Jazz at The Ailey Extension. Photo by Kyle Froman.

The Ailey Extension's Hip-Hop 4 Kids Workshop has been extended through the month of July! Kids (ages 7-11) who love to dance won't want to miss out on these fun and exciting classes that focus on today's most popular dance trends. Learn fundamental Hip-Hop moves, including basic body isolations, and simple choreography; while developing coordination and building self esteem and confidence. Classes are held at The Joan Weill Center for Dance on Saturdays, July 9th - 30th.

Be sure to check out The Ailey Extension's other class offerings dedicated to youth, including Teen Extension (ages 12-17) and Tiny Steps (age 2).
A Taste of Life as an Ailey Student for America's Young Dancers
This summer (Aug 1 -12), The Ailey Extension offers two unique, 2-week-long workshops for young dancers - The Ailey Experience (ages 12-21), which gives participants the chance to live the life of an Ailey School student and International Dance Exchange (ages 16 and over), where emerging performers and choreographers can study in New York with three top Europe-based dance artists. Enjoy the ultimate New York experience at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's home, one of the largest buildings dedicated to dance in the country!

For additional information on The Ailey Extension or to register, visit www.aileyextension.com

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