Lesa Cline-Ransome News

MacDowell will welcome 142 artists from 23 states, Washington, D.C., and 11 countries for spring and summer residencies. These Fellowships at the nation’s first artist residency program were granted from a pool of 1,822 applications from 54 different countries and every state except Hawaii.

DENVER- The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, video and audio books for children and young adults-including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards-at its Midwinter Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

The World Science Festival has announced complete programming for the  10th anniversary Festival, which will bring science to the crossroads of the world, Times Square, and to locations across the five boroughs of New York City, with more than 50 events, May 30 - June 4, 2017.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world's most popular dance companies, will share its inspiring artistry with audiences during a 20-city North American tour starting tonight at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The tour will take the Company to major cities including Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, and will culminate at the Prudential Hall of the New Jersey Performing in Newark on May 8th.

The Auditorium Theatre's annual Chicago presentation of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will bring a wide array of premieres, new productions, and classics to life on its landmark stage Tuesday, March 8 through Sunday, March 13.

The launch of MY STORY, MY DANCE: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey, the moving children's picture book from Simon & Schuster, was celebrated at The Ailey Studios on October 29th through reading, dancing and discussion.  Artistic Director Robert Battle was joined by author and illustrator couple Lesa Cline-Ransomeand James E. Ransome, who spoke about their personal connection to Ailey and their special roles in creating this heart-warming picture book biography.  Mr. Battle recounted how seeing Revelations for the first time as a boy in Miami set him on a path to achieve his goals.  "Having experienced first-hand the transformative power of the Ailey legacy, I'm honored by the creation of this book based upon my life," stated Battle, "It's so meaningful to know that this moving story will inspire the next generation of students to dream big and reach high."  Students from The Ailey School listened intently when Mr. Battle read from the book and beamed as they brought to life an excerpt from Alvin Ailey's masterpiece.  The students asked questions and soaked up Mr. Battle's wise and witty advice to stay focused, keep dreaming and dancing diligently, and to remember that if a boy with leg braces can grow up to be a dancer and choreographer, then they can accomplish anything.  Check out the photos of the book launch below!

MY STORY, MY DANCE: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey is the inspiring story of a boy who, despite physical and personal challenges, has a life filled with music, church, and movement - first martial arts, and then, after seeing Alvin Ailey's Revelations, dance.

MY STORY, MY DANCE: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey is the inspiring story of a boy who, despite physical and personal challenges, has a life filled with music, church, and movement - first martial arts, and then, after seeing Alvin Ailey's Revelations, dance.

MY STORY, MY DANCE: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey is the inspiring story of a boy who, despite physical and personal challenges, has a life filled with music, church, and movement - first martial arts, and then, after seeing Alvin Ailey's Revelations, dance. This picture book biography features images brimming with vibrant color and swirling motion, and is illustrated and written by award-winning husband-and-wife team James E. Ransome  and Lesa Cline-Ransome. Created for ages 5 - 10, the book will be released on October 27th by Paula Wiseman Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, just in time for holiday gift-giving.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announces a groundbreaking year, led by Robert Battle in his fifth season as Artistic Director.

New York – July 16, 2015 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announces a groundbreaking year, led by Robert Battle in his fifth season as Artistic Director. The Company is currently performing at Paris' Théâtre du Châtelet for Les Etés de la Danse International Dance Festival until August 1, and the grace and bravura of the Company will soon reach the hearts and minds of audiences in South Africa, and throughout the U.S. via the screen, the stage, and the page.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announces a groundbreaking year, led by Robert Battle in his fifth season as Artistic Director.