Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Visits Vegas, 3/20-21

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congress as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World," will visit Las Vegas from March 20-21 for two performances led by dynamic Artistic Director Robert Battle. Following sold out performances in New York City, Ailey's dancers will move audiences in a series of premieres and new productions that launch an exciting new era in Ailey history.

Tickets for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Reynolds Hall start at $39 and are now available at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts by calling (702) 982-7805 or by visiting www.thesmithcenter.com.  Tickets can also be purchased in person at The Smith Center ticket office at 361 W. Symphony Park Avenue. 

The program for March 20 will begin with Home by hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris, set to a score of gospel house music. The work is inspired by stories submitted to the "Fight HIV Your Way" contest of people living with or affected by HIV, an initiative of Bristol-Myers Squibb. Next will be three works  by newly appointed Artistic Director, Robert Battle:  Takademe, a savvy deconstruction and abstraction of the tightly woven rhythms of Indian Kathak dance containing humor, fast-paced movements and propulsive jumps, set to Sheila Chandra's syncopated vocal score; The Hunt, an athletic work for six men, revealing the predatory side of human nature and the primitive thrill of the hunt and set to a thundering percussion soundtrack by Les Tambours du Bronx; and In/Side, a bold and physical solo set to Nina Simone singing "Wild is the Wind."  Concluding the evening will be Ailey's Revelations.

Saturday night's program will begin with Paul Taylor's Arden Court, featuring a baroque score by William Boyce and technically challenging dancing with striking duets, solos and a men's sextet that showcases the dancers' skill and musicality.  Following is Episodes, a repertory favorite choreographed by former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater member Ulysses Dove.  This explosive masterpiece examines the battle of the sexes with an original score by Robert Ruggieri. The evening will also conclude with Ailey's Revelations. 

"This is the beginning of a new adventure-for the company, for me and for our audiences," stated Robert Battle, who became Artistic Director on July 1, 2011.  "It gives me great pride to build upon the inspiring legacy of Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison.  I'm excited for people across the country to witness the world's most amazing dancers as we take the next step in Ailey's inspiring journey."

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