Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performs At SummerStage, 7/23 & 24

On Friday, July 23rd and Saturday, July 24th at 8pm, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to SummerStage to share the brilliant artistry and passionate energy that bring audiences around the globe to their feet night after night. Ailey's extraordinary dancers will perform Alvin Ailey's classic Blues Suite, with live music by Kenny Brawner and the Brawner Brothers Band; Dancing Spirit, Ronald K. Brown's acclaimed choreographic tribute to Judith Jamison; and Alvin Ailey's beloved signature masterpiece, Revelations. SummerStage takes place in Central Park.

Ghrai DeVore, Daniel Harder, Demetia Hopkins, and Jermaine Terry, four former Ailey II members, have recently joined the ranks of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The four dancers will be performing with the Company at SummerStage, as well as on the upcoming international and national tours and 5-week New York City Center Season beginning December 1st. All four dancers have pointed to their time as members of Ailey II as a pivotal period in their development as artists. Currently, over 87% of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 30 members were trained and nurtured as members of Ailey II.

The special Summerstage 25th anniversary free performances bring home Alvin Ailey's belief that "dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people." Ailey's last visit to Central Park, in 1993, yielded over 30,000 attendees and rave reviews in a moving celebration of the human spirit. For further information about SummerStage, visit www.summerstage.org. For more information about Alvin Ailey, including upcoming tour dates, visit www.alvinailey.org.

Photo Credit: Renee Robinson in Ronald K. Brown's "Dancing Spirit"; photo by Christopher Duggan