US Senate Resolution Honors Alvin Ailey Dance Theater

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution "recognizing the artistic and cultural contributions of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the 50th Anniversary of the first performance of Alvin Ailey's masterwork, Revelations." Authored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and cosponsored by Senators Charles E. Schumer and Robert Menendez, this resolution honors Revelations as a timeless classic "beloved by people around the world" with universal themes "that illustrate the strength and humanity within all of us."

"For 50 years, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been an American treasure capturing the minds and imaginations of generations of Americans," stated Senator Gillibrand. "I am pleased the United States Senate has formally recognized the importance of Revelations, and Alvin Ailey's artistic and cultural contributions as one of the worlds greatest and most influential dance companies." Premiered in 1960, Revelations has been seen by more people around the world than any other modern dance work, including performances at The White House, the Olympic Games and, most recently, at The White House Dance Series: A Tribute to Judith Jamison presented by First Lady Michelle Obama. "We are grateful for and proud of this special recognition," stated Artistic Director Judith Jamison. "Alvin Ailey was a genius and Revelations is a profound manifestation of how dance can celebrate the human spirit and impact our hearts and minds." On March 30, to celebrate Women's History Month and to inspire young people to excel, Jamison was also part of the First Lady's Remarkable Women events in D.C. area schools and at the White House.

Inspiring performances of Revelations will continue during Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2011 North American tour to 24 cities with stops at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA (April 8- 17); the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ (May 6 -8) and the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, IL (May 18-22). This summer, the celebration will go global as Ailey II travels to 7 cities in France and Finland and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater , recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital "American Cultural Ambassador to the World," visits Germany (Berlin, Koln, Hamburg and Frankfurt); Norway (Oslo); Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg) and Switzerland (Zurich) from June 20 to August 28. This exciting time in Ailey's history will also mark the passing of the Artistic Director mantle on July 1, 2011 to Robert Battle , whom Judith Jamison has announced as her successor. According to Jamison, he "combines an intimate knowledge of the Ailey company with an independent perspective, he is without question the creative force of the future."

Ailey's extraordinary artists will continue to welcome audiences to share the incomparable sense of joy, freedom, and spirit of this inspiring classic that has brought audiences around the globe to their feet year after year! For further information on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II New York Season on April 6th - 17th, visit www.alvinailey.org.

 

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