Ailey's NYC Season Continues This Week: World Premiere of Jamar Roberts' Members DON'T GET WEARY

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's five-week holiday engagement at New York City Center continues this week with a new production of Tony Award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp's The Golden Sectionon Wednesday, December 6. The critically-acclaimed work pushes the limits of human physicality as Ailey dancers take on Tharp's daring, driving choreography with breathtaking leaps and finely-honed partnering. Applauded by The New York Times for his leading role in the work, Clifton Brown - the virtuoso Ailey dancer who recently returned to the company - "rises to Ms. Tharp's challenges as if he's been released, and his absorption becomes transporting."

On Friday, December 8, Ailey star Jamar Roberts' makes his choreographic debut on the company withMembers Don't Get Weary, which he calls "a response to the current social landscape in America." Roberts' deep appreciation for jazz comes through in his use of saxophonist and composer John Coltrane's music, 50 years after the legend's death. Hailed by The New York Times for his "explosive" and "striking" dancing, his choreography paired with the distinctive music and lighting invites audiences on an inspiring journey with the dancers to transcend the blues.

Alvin Ailey's 1979 masterpiece Memoria will be performed on Wednesday, December 6; Saturday, December 9; and Sunday, December 10. Created in loving memory of Joyce Trisler - choreographer and his perennial friend - the piece is the first time Mr. Ailey combined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with advanced students from The Ailey School. Audiences have only three chances this season - all happening this week - to see the classic work, which features nearly 40 dancers.

Other highlights this week include: "Ailey's Young NY Meet & Greet," a free post-performance reception with Artistic Director Robert Battle and Ailey company dancers held exclusively for 20-something New Yorkers on Friday, December 8 at approximately 10pm, and Family Matinee featuring a free Q&A with Ailey dancers following the performance on Saturday, December 9 at 2pm.

After Ailey's New York City Center engagement concludes on New Year's Eve, the company will embark on a 21-city tour across North America beginning in January. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6: THE GOLDEN SECTION - NEW PRODUCTION

The Golden Section by Tony Award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp is a sizzling work set to a propulsive score by David Byrne. The work shatters the limits of human physicality with breathtaking leaps, finely-honed partnering, and explosive joy.

Performance Dates: Dec. 6, 7, 20 mat, 24, 27 eve, 31 mat

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8: MEMBERS DON'T GET WEARY - WORLD PREMIERE

Ailey star and "Bessie" Award winner Jamar Roberts makes his choreographic debut on the company in this world premiere Member Don't Get Weary, inspired by the blues. Roberts says, "As a response to the current social landscape in America, Members Don't Get Weary takes an abstract look into the notion of one 'having the blues.'" Set to the powerful music of the legendary American jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane, the work aims to inspire the audience, allowing them to momentarily transcend their own personal blues.

Performance Dates: Dec. 8, 9 mat, 16 eve, 22, 23 eve, 27 mat, 31 mat

OTHER WEEK 2 HIGHLIGHTS

"MEET-AND-GREET WITH ROBERT BATTLE AND AILEY DANCERS" - YOUNG NEW YORK EVENT

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, POST-PERFORMANCE (APPROX. 10PM)

Young ticket-holders are invited to mingle with Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey dancers, and other 20-somethings while enjoying post-performance cocktails and food on New York City Center's Grand Tier lobby. The Young New York program is a multi-year audience development project engaging young people between the ages of 21-30 through a series of special events and ticket offers, supported by The Wallace Foundation. For other special events this season, visit www.alvinailey.org/yny.

FAMILY MATINEE SERIES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 2PM

On Saturday afternoons, bring the whole family to enjoy the performance and stay afterwards for a freeQ&A with the acclaimed Ailey dancers in the theater.

Performance Dates: Dec. 9 mat, 16 mat, 23 mat, 30 mat

"ALL AILEY" SPECIAL PROGRAM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 3PM

This special program is comprised entirely of works by the company's legendary founder, including Night Creature, Cry, Memoria, Masekela Langage, and Revelations.

Performance Dates: Dec. 10 mat, 30 eve

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world's most popular dance companies, returns to the New York City Center stage November 29 - December 31, 2017 for a season that has become a joyous holiday tradition. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey's extraordinary dancers will move audiences with premieres, new productions, repertory favorites and classics like the American masterpiece Revelations, acclaimed as a must-see for all.

Tickets starting at $29 can be purchased at the New York City Center Box Office, through CityTix® at (212) 581-1212 or online at www.alvinailey.org orwww.nycitycenter.org. Discount tickets are available for Ailey Super Fans who purchase tickets for more than one performance, for students with an appropriate ID, and for groups of 10 or more (discounts do not apply to $29 tickets). The Saturday Family Matinee series includes a post-performance Q&A with the Ailey dancers and an increased availability of $29 tickets, but buy early for the best seat selection. For group sales, call 212-405-9082 or e-mail groupsales@alvinailey.org. For further information, visitwww.alvinailey.org.