Seattle Theatre Group Features Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, 3/25-27

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), recognized by U.S. Congress as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World," will inspire, enlighten and entertain Seattle audiences for three performances only on Friday, March 25 - Sunday, March 27, 2011 at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
 
Led by the renowned Judith Jamison in her final year as Artistic Director, and joined by Artistic Director Designate Robert Battle, the tour will celebrate five decades of Revelations, an American classic called a must-see for all people. A short film will be shown prior to Revelations at every performance, giving audiences the opportunity to learn about the inspiration, meaning and significance of this modern dance masterpiece that is a tribute to Alvin Ailey's genius and the African American heritage. Directed by Judy Kinberg, winner of seven primetime Emmy Awards, it includes historic performance footage and rare interviews with Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison. 
 
Ailey's extraordinary artists will move audiences with their brilliant artistry and passionate spirit in exciting premieres, dramatic new productions, and repertory favorites. Among Seattle's premieres is the brand new ballet Anointed, Christopher L. Huggins' tribute to Ailey's past, present and future, featuring music of Moby and Sean Clements. The Company will also debut The Hunt, Robert Battle's explosive tour-de-force for six men, and The Evolution Of A Secured Feminine, Camille A. Brown's witty exploration of the notions of femininity. Ailey's performances mark the first time anyone other than Ms. Brown has performed the solo.
 
Friday, March 25 Repertory
Anoited (2010, Seattle Premiere), choreographed by Christopher L. Huggins
The Revolution of a Secured Feminine (2007), choreographed by Camille A. Brown
The Hunt (2001), choreographed by Robert Battle
Celebrating Revelations at 50 - Film
Revelations (1960)
Saturday, March 26 Repertory
Uptown (2009, Seattle Premiere), choreographed by Matthew Russing
Dancing Spirit (2009, Seattle Premiere), choreographed by Ronald K. Brown
Celebrating Revelations at 50 - Film
Revelations (1960)
Sunday, March 27 Repertory
Anoited (2010, Seattle Premiere), choreographed by Christopher L. Huggins
The Revolution of a Secured Feminine (2007), choreographed by Camille A. Brown
The Hunt (2001), choreographed by Robert Battle
Celebrating Revelations at 50 - Film
Revelations (1960)
"It's such a rewarding experience to work with the AAADT company," said Vicky Lee STG Director of Education and Community Programs. "STG works with the dancers to dig deep into the community to bring the Ailey experience to a diverse range of students."
 
The Education and Community Programs for AAADT 2011 include:
Revelations Residency at both Aki Kurose Middle School and South Shore PK-8 on March 21 - 25, 2011. A total of 120 students will participate in a week long residency curriculum centered around Revelations. Seattle was one of four markets awarded this in depth community program (other markets include Los Angles, St. Louis and Detroit).
AAADT Matinee Lecture/Demonstration - local student groups to participate in a matinee with Ailey dancers. Reservations are REQUIRED, email studentprograms@stgpresents.org. 
Master Classes - dancers from AAADT will teach community master classes at Seattle dance studios. All classes are Saturday, March 26, 2011.
10:30am - NOON
Advance Modern; $15 (open to the public/ Adult advanced/professional)
5th Avenue Theatre Education Room
1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
To register, email ccorrick@5thavenue.org
11:00am - 12:30pm
Beg/Int Modern / NW Tap Connection students only
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Intermediate Jazz; $25; teens
5th Avenue Theatre Education Room
1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
To register, email ccorrick@5thavenue.org
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Intermediate Modern / Dance Fremont students only 
"The Seattle celebration of Ailey will only be complete by sharing it with a large community of supporters. Put to this task, myself and THE FRIENDS OF AILEY COMMITTEE are dedicated to the success of the engagement," said Norman Rice, former Mayor of Seattle. "I look forward to a profound synergy in the audience as we come together as a community to share Revelations in this historical performance year." Co-chairs of THE FRIENDS OF SEATTLE include: Norman Rice, CEO Seattle Foundation; Dr. Constance Rice, Managing Director for Knowledge Management, The Casey Foundation Family Programs; Sandra Jackson-Dumont, Deputy Director of Education and Public Programs/Adjunctive Curator at Seattle Art Museum; Donald Byrd, Artistic Director of Spectrum Dance Theater.
 
AAADT Seattle engagement and Revelations Residency is made possible by J.P. Morgan Chase. Additional engagement sponsors are The Boeing Company, National Endowment For The Arts, 4Culture, Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. 
 
Tickets: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater tickets are $30.00 - $75.00 and are on sale now. Purchase tickets online at www.STGpresents.org, by phone at (206) 625-1900 Monday through Friday 9:30am - 6pm, in person at The 5th Avenue box office, Monday through Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm, located on 5th Avenue downtown, between Union & University. Group sales are available through STG's Group Sales Hotline at (206) 315-8054. The 5th Avenue Theatre is located 1308 5th Avenue Seattle, WA 98101.