Only Eight Performances Left of Ailey's Holiday Season

There are just eight performances left to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's holiday engagement at New York City Center before the season finale on New Year's Eve. Highlights this week include an "All Ailey" program on Saturday evening comprised of classic works by the company's legendary founder, and two performances on New Year's Eve - an "All New" matinee program featuring three of this season's premieres, and a Special Season Finale evening program with excerpts of premieres and new productions, culminating with Alvin Ailey's timeless and inspiring masterpiece Revelations.

Other performances this week include favorites like Robert Battle's gripping solo In/Side (Dec. 27 eve), MacArthur "Genius" Kyle Abraham's haunting Untitled America (Dec. 27 eve, 28), Ronald K. Brown's powerful and hope-filled journey Four Corners (Dec. 28, 30 mat), and the last season performance of Jawole Willa Jo Zollar's Shelter (Dec. 29), a gripping portrait of homelessness returning to the Ailey stage after 25 years.

After experiencing an electrifying performance at New York City Center, audiences are invited to try an Ailey Extension dance class for free at Ailey's home (405 West 55th Street) with a performance ticket stub (offer expires after 60 days). Start New Year's resolutions off on the right foot by trying one of Ailey Extension's 25 dance and fitness techniques, ranging from hip-hop to Afro-Cuban to Horton, the modern dance technique seen in Alvin Ailey's classic works.

Before the final week of performances resume on Wednesday, the Ailey dancers will pay tribute to Kennedy Center honoree Carmen de Lavallade during the ceremony's broadcast at 9pm tonight on CBS. Matthew Rushing, Linda Celeste Sims, and former company member Alicia Graf Mack will perform an excerpt of Revelations. After ringing in the new year, Ailey's 32 extraordinary dancers will embark on their 21-city North America tour from January 30 - May 13, before returning to New York City in June. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

FAMILY MATINEE SERIES - DECEMBER 30 MAT On Saturday afternoons, bring the whole family to enjoy the performance and stay afterwards for a free Q&A with the acclaimed Ailey dancers in the theater.

"ALL AILEY" - DECEMBER 30 EVE A program comprised entirely of works by the company's legendary founder - Night Creature, Cry, Masekela Langage, and Revelations. NEW YEAR'S EVE PERFORMANCES - DECEMBER 31 MAT & EVE Ailey's holiday season ends on New Year's Eve with two special performances. The "All New" matinee program features three works that premiered this season - Gustavo Ramírez Sansano's Victoria, Jamar Roberts' Members Don't Get Weary, and Twyla Tharp's The Golden Section. The Special Season Finale that evening includes excerpts of this season's premieres, culminating with the jubilant Revelations.

AILEY EXTENSION WORKSHOP: CELEBRATING ALVIN AILEY WITH JUDITH JAMISON - JANUARY 5 AT 7PM Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison returns to Ailey Extension to celebrate Alvin Ailey's legacy with an exclusive workshop, open to aspiring dancers at all levels. As one of the most influential dance figures of the late 20th century, Ms. Jamison's two-hour workshop offers dancers an opportunity to infuse her unique style while exploring Mr. Ailey's genius as a choreographer. Ms. Jamison empowers students to tap into their own creativity, personal truths, and passions in their performances. The public is invited to observe the workshop as students learn the subtle nuances and complexities of Alvin Ailey's renowned repertory. Participant fees are $45 and observation fees are $25.

Photo: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Gert Krautbauer

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