Alvin Ailey Announces 'Ticket To Dance' Free Class Promotion

For more than four decades, the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has graced the New York City Center stage, sharing the transformative power of dance. Returning this season, New Yorkers can experience dance on and off stage by partaking in a special offer, Ticket to Dance. The promotion allows audience members to try their first Ailey Extension class free with an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance ticket (offer expires after 60 days). Returning Ailey Extension students also receive a free class with the purchase of a 10-class card.

Embodying Alvin Ailey's legacy that "dance is for everybody," the Ailey Extension offers over 25 diverse dance and fitness techniques for students of all levels and backgrounds. Ailey Extension instructors are experts in their disciplines and ensure a welcoming, non-competitive environment. Through Ticket to Dance, audience members can learn the electrifying techniques performed onstage at New York City Center, such as Horton, featured in Alvin Ailey's masterpieces Revelations and Blues Suite; ballet, as seen in the sizzling, sensual new production of Billy Wilson's The Winter in Lisbon; and Afro-Cuban, performed in acclaimed choreographer Ronald K. Brown's Open Door.

"Whether you're a professional dancer or an absolute beginner, the Ailey Extension welcomes you to join in the dance," said Lisa Johnson-Willingham, Ailey Extension director and former company member. "I've seen novice students build self-confidence, connect with their local community, and shed weight by learning the movements Ailey dancers perform day in and day out."

During the five-week holiday season, Ailey dancers will perform an expansive repertory, including the following premieres:

• MacArthur "Genius" Kyle Abraham's three-part suite Untitled America (World Premiere) examines the impact of the prison system on African American families.
• Veteran company member Hope Boykin's r-Evolution, Dream. (World Premiere) is inspired by the sermons and speeches of DR. Martin Luther King, Jr. and set to original music composed by Ali Jackson (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and the historic and original writings narrated by Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton).
• Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti's soulful ensemble work Deep (2016 Season World Premiere) brings to life music by rising global music stars Ibeyi.
• Walking Mad (Company Premiere/2001), which brings revered Swedish choreographer Johan Inger's daring work into the Ailey repertory for the first time.

Be inspired by Ailey's powerful performances this holiday season and step into the new year with dance that will move the mind, body and soul. Visit aileyextension.com for the complete Ailey Extension class schedule - classes are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening, seven days a week. For more information on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's performances, visit alvinailey.org.

Recently featured in the New York Post, read how two Ailey Extension students danced their way to slimmer physiques, losing a combined 160 pounds.

ABOUT AILEY EXTENSION

Since its inception in 2005, Ailey Extension has fulfilled Mr. Ailey's life-long commitment of bringing dance to everyone by offering "real classes for real people." Ailey Extension offers over 25 different dance and fitness techniques such as Horton, Ballet, Masala Bhangra, West African, Samba, Jazz, Zumba, House and Hip-Hop. Over 125,000 people have taken classes at Ailey's home, New York's largest building dedicated to dance, where dancers of all levels and walks of life can learn and be inspired - body, mind, and spirit! For additional press materials, including photos, videos, and class descriptions, visit pressroom.alvinailey.org.

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