In celebration of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s (AAADT’s) 50th anniversary and its mission of making dance accessible to everyone, Ailey will present a special series of free performances and dance classes in Brooklyn, August 7.
The AAADT will perform classic Ailey pieces, including excerpts from “The Lark Ascending” and 1958’s “Blues Suite,” which premiered at AAADT’s first concert, in addition to works by Robert Battle, Jessica Lang and Troy Powell.
Prior to the performances there will be free dance classes in Modern/Jazz and West African techniques, open to all ages and levels.
The performances will be held at the Prospect Park, Bandshell, Prospect Park West and Ninth Street, at 8 p.m. and dance classes will be held at the Prospect Park Picnic House from 5:30-6:15 p.m. (Modern/Jazz) and 6:30-7:15 p.m. (West African).
Ailey’s 18-month 50th anniversary will continue over the next year with international and US performances in 50 cities, including a New York City Center season from December 3, 2008-January 4, 2009, launched by a Golden Anniversary Gala with Honorary Chair and Honored Guest Oprah Winfrey.
Performances will include special collaborations with Sweet Honey in the Rock and Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
For more, visit www.alvinailey.org/50.
