Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to Return to NJPAC in May

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater makes a triumphant return to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for three performances, May 6-8 --- the final stop on a 20-city tour that began in Washington, D.C. and reaches from coast to coast. Beloved as one of the world's most popular dance companies, Alvin Ailey's pioneering legacy of uplifting, uniting, and celebrating the human spirit lives on as Ailey's extraordinary dancers bring a wide array of premieres, new productions, and classics to life.

Friday, May 6 at 8pm: NJPAC Dance Advisor and tap superstar Savion Glover will introduce a night full of percussive dance, featuring Rennie Harris' world premiere Exodus, the company premiere of Paul Taylor's company premiere Piazzolla Caldera, and Alvin Ailey's signature piece, Revelations. Acclaimed hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris' highly-anticipated work explores the idea of "exodus" --- from one's ignorance and conformity --- as a necessary step toward enlightenment. Set to gospel and house music along with spoken word, the work underscores the crucial role of action and movement in effecting change. Paul Taylor's Piazzolla Caldera takes place in a smoky tango club, and is "a sizzling addition to the Ailey repertory" (The New York Times). Revelations, Alvin Ailey's masterwork, is set to African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues. More than just a popular dance work, Revelations has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans around the world.

Saturday, May 7 at 8pm: This evening's performance will pay tribute to Judith Jamison, the legendary dancer, choreographer and Artistic Director Emerita of the company. The program will include Robert Battle's world premiere Awakening and Ronald K. Brown's world premiere Open Door, a new production of Judith Jamison's A Case of You, and a performance of Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Awakening, Robert Battle's first world premiere since becoming Artistic Director, leads the audience on a cathartic journey of dissonance and harmony, chaos and resolution. "Battle isn't afraid of making a big noise" (The New Yorker) in this charged ensemble work for a dozen dancers. Ronald K. Brown's Cuban-influenced premiere Open Door is set to vibrant music from Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra's latest album Cuba: The Conversation Continues, including the track "The Afro Latin Jazz Suite," which recently won a Grammy for Instrumental Composition. A Case of You is an emotional and sensual duet by Judith Jamison, performed to Diana Krall's version of Joni Mitchell's song by the same title.

Sunday, May 8 at 1pm: This special Mother's Day performance will feature a new production of Alvin Ailey's Cry, his must-see classic Revelations, an encore performance of Ronald K. Brown's Open Door, and audience favorite Night Creature. In 1971, Alvin Ailey choreographed the ballet Cry on his stunning muse Judith Jamison, as a birthday present for his mother Mrs. Lula Cooper. An instant sensation and an enduring work of American art, this physically and emotionally demanding 16-minute solo is dedicated to "all black women everywhere --- especially our mothers." Returning to the repertory after almost a decade, this solo is made up of three parts has been called "Ailey's homage to the resilience and tenacity of African-American women" (The Village Voice). A bubbly champagne cocktail of dance, Night Creature perfectly fuses Alvin Ailey's buoyant choreography and Duke Ellington's sparkling music in a definitive homage to The Duke's jazz that remains one of Mr. Ailey's most popular works.

Celebrate the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to its New Jersey home at NJPAC by enjoying the many additional attractions offered to Ailey ticket holders prior to each performance. Tickets start at $25 for each performance.

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Full Programming

Friday, May 6 --- Ailey Steps
7pm: Tap master Savion Glover, NJPAC's Dance Adviser, introduces the step company Soul Steps (who will be performing Nod Ya Head), and additional step performers for a performance in the lobby. FREE for ticket holders.

8pm: Ailey Performance
* Rennie Harris' Exodus (World Premiere)
* Paul Taylor's Piazzolla Caldera (Company Premiere)
* Alvin Ailey's Revelations

Saturday, May 7 --- A Salute to Judith Jamison
7pm: NJPAC pays tribute to Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison on the 50th anniversary of her career with the Ailey company. Enjoy DanceWorks & Company of Montclair, who will present three works from its repertory: Estamos Vivos Esta Noche, Sweet Surrender and LoveMore, in the lobby. FREE for ticket holders.

8pm: Ailey Performance
* Robert Battle's Awakening (World Premiere)
* Ronald K. Brown's Open Door (World Premiere)
* Judith Jamison's A Case of You (New Production)
* Alvin Ailey's Revelations

Sunday, May 8 --- Mother's Day Celebration
11am: Spend a very special Mother's Day at NJPAC with a pre-curtain brunch at NICO Kitchen + Bar. Outside in Theater Square at noon, two youth choirs sing inspirational gospel songs from Revelations. Inside the lobby, patrons are invited to browse through a boutique of gifts, beauty treatments and products, and other items bound to put a smile on Mom's face.

1pm: Ailey Performance
* Alvin Ailey's Cry (New Production)
* Alvin Ailey's Revelations
* Ronald K. Brown's Open Door (World Premiere)
* Alvin Ailey's Night Creature
Buy Tickets Group Sales NJPAC
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
www.njpac.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)

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