The Ailey Extension and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Announce 'Ticket to Dance'

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances inspire audiences around the world, and New Yorkers have a unique opportunity to join in the dance this holiday season. The Ailey Extension and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announce the return of "Ticket to Dance" in conjunction with Ailey's New York City Center season (December 2 - January 3). "Ticket to Dance" welcomes audience members to try their first Ailey Extension class FREE with a performance ticket stub (returning students receive a free class with the purchase of a 10-class card).

The Ailey Extension offers over 80 classes for students of all levels in 25 different techniques, including styles that will be seen on the City Center stage: Horton - featured in Ailey classics like his masterpieces Revelations and Blues Suite; Afro-Cuban, which will be seen in Ronald K. Brown's world premiere Open Door; and hip-hop, seen in Rennie Harris' acclaimed 2015 season premiere Exodus.

The renowned Ailey dancers will perform a diverse repertory at New York City Center, and highlights include:

• Three World Premieres:
  • Robert Battle's Awakening, his first premiere since becoming Artistic Director.
  • The first installment of Kyle Abraham's three-part suite Untitled America: First Movement, which explores how the prison system impacts families and individuals.
  • Ronald K. Brown's Cuban-influenced Open Door, set to music from Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra's recent album Cuba: The Conversation Continues.
• The Company Premiere of Paul Taylor's Piazzolla Caldera, a sensual union of modern dance and tango.
• New Productions of Ailey classics:
  • Cry, created for his mother and originally danced by Judith Jamison.
  • Love Songs, famously danced by the late Dudley Williams and often considered the male counterpart to Cry, set to music by Donny Hathaway and Nina Simone.

Blues Suite, his original 1958 masterpiece, which will be performed to live music.

These thrilling performances are sure to inspire audiences to head straight from the theater to the beautiful Ailey Studios at the Joan Weill Center for Dance - home to the incomparable Ailey dancers. Ailey Extension classes are for people of all backgrounds and fitness levels, and include Yoga, Afro-Cuban, Ailey Barre, Salsa, West African, and more. December also marks the return of the program welcomes the return ofKukuwa® African Dance Workout with Cassandra Nuamah, a cardio journey through the continent of Africa, on Wednesdays beginningDecember 9.

There's no need to wait for the new year to get moving! Let Ailey's powerful performances inspire you to dance this holiday season. For more information on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's performances, visit alvinailey.org. For the complete class schedule, visitaileyextension.com.

For additional press materials including photos, video, and class descriptions please visit the links below or pressroom.alvinailey.org

For more information on group visits or to schedule your trip, visit the group visits page here.

Since its inception in 2005, The Ailey Extension has fulfilled Mr. Ailey's life-long commitment of bringing dance to everyone by offering "real classes for real people." The Ailey Extension offers of over 80 classes per week in more than 25 different dance and fitness techniques such as Horton, Ballet, Masala Bhangra, West African, Samba,Jazz, Zumba, House and Hip Hop. All levels are welcome, including beginners! Over 100,000 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!

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