Teachers may call 732-246-7469, ext. 545 for this program. All seats for the school-day performance are $9. Public performance tickets range from $35-60 (student, senior, and group discounts apply, plus limited *$20 tickets and *KIDS GO FREE discounts).
The program for both nights includes Love Stories (Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, Rennie Harris), Episodes (Ulysses Dove), and Revelations (Alvin Ailey). Love Stories is Judith Jamison’s dynamic collaboration with hip-hop pioneer Rennie Harris and modern dance maverick. Love Stories featuring the music of Stevie Wonder including “Fingertips,” “If it’s Magic,” and “Another Star”. Ailey’s signature masterpiece Revelations is cherished by audiences around the world. Set to African-American spirituals, this inspiring work is an enduring classic that pays to tribute to Alvin Ailey’s heritage and his genius. Restaged by Associate Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya and with music by Robert Ruggieri, Episodes was originally choreographed by Ulysses Dove for the classical London Festival Ballet in 1987. The company danced the piece in bare feet. The following year, Dove re-choreographed the dance on pointe for Patrick Dupond’s Ballet Francais de Nancy.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from the now fabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance. Fifty years later, the company has been recognized as “a vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World” in a Congressional resolution that was read on March 27th, kicking off the company’s 50th anniversary. The 18-month long celebration will usher in many exciting events, promotions, collaborations, and special performances; including the renaming of 55th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in Manhattan as Alvin Ailey Place, and even the release of a Barbie doll designed by Artistic Director Judith Jamison dressed in a costume from Revelations.
Judith Jamison, Artistic Director
Judith Jamison was appointed Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in December 1989 at the request of her mentor, Alvin Ailey, who personally chose her to succeed him before his untimely death. Her presence has been a catalyst, propelling the organization in new directions—the development of the Women’s Choreography Initiative; performances at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the 2002 Cultural Olympiad in Salt Lake City where she carried the Olympic torch during the replay prior to the opening ceremonies. Jamison recently announced that she will be stepping down from her position in 2011.
One of the most acclaimed international ambassadors of American culture is Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. They promote the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. Join New Jersey native Glenn Allen Sims, an 11-year veteran with AAADT, for an insightful and inspirational pre-performance discussion. Hear firsthand about the legacy of Alvin Ailey, the ballets that make up tonight’s program and what it means to be an Ailey dancer. -- www.statetheatrenj.org
