Portland Ovations Presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Merrill Auditorium Tonight

Portland Ovations will present Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Merrill Auditorium tonight, April 24 at 7:30pm.

Since its first performance in 1958, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has forever changed the perception of American - and modern - dance, becoming one of the world's favorite companies for their brilliant artistry and passionate energy. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 23 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents -- as well as millions more through television broadcasts. A U.S. Congressional resolution in 2008 designated the Company as "a vital American cultural ambassador to the world," one that celebrates the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance heritage. In all, more than 200 works by over 80 choreographers are part of the Ailey company's repertory. The company has had only three Artistic Director's since its inception starting with Alvin Ailey who than designated Judith Jamison as his successor before his untimely death in 1989, and now as of July 2011, Ms. Jamison passed the mantle to Robert Battle. Announcing his appointment as Artistic Director with the following statement, "Combining an intimate knowledge of the Ailey company with an independent perspective, Robert Battle is without question the creative force of the future."

Mr. Battle and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater bring the following works to the Merrill stage, Streams (1970), Takademe (1999), Home (2011) and Revelations (1960).

On Tuesday, April 24 at 3pm Ovations Offstage and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be offering a Modern Dance Masterclass at Portland School of Ballet, 517 Forest Avenue #2. Where dancers can join members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for an intermediate-advanced Horton technique masterclass. Registration is $25 per participant and space is limited. For more information and to register, please contact Ovations Offstage at 207.773.3150 or offstage@portlandovations.org.

One hour prior to the performance at 6:30pm in the Rehearsal Hall of Merrill Auditorium, Ovations Offstage offers a pre-performance lecture, "Life as an Ailey Dancer" where Portland Ovations Executive Director Aimée Petrin talks with a member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater about the history of the company, repertoire, and life as an Ailey dancer. 

Tickets for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater range from $41 to $54 for Ovations' Members and $45 to $60 for the general public. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance is sponsored by The Downeast Group of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Puelle Design and The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram with support providedby Center for Cultural Exchange Foundation. To purchase tickets, contact PortTix at 207-842-0800 or visit the box office window at Merrill Auditorium. Tickets are also available online at www.portlandovations.org.

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