Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Coming to South Africa Next Month

The highly acclaimed New York-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world's most popular global modern dance companies, returns to South Africa in September after 17 years. The artistry, power and passion of the company's 32 extraordinary dancers in performances of works by a spectrum of renowned choreographers impacts audiences around the world emotionally and physically, bringing them to their feet in cheering standing ovations.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents, inspiring all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. The incredible athleticism, technique and spirit of the dancers, performing a diverse and dynamic repertory of classics and premieres to a variety of music, is like nothing else presented in this country. After Ailey's recent New York performances, The Huffington Post reported that the Company has "some of the greatest modern dancers in the United States, with choreography by masters coming from a rich source of creativity and exacting expertise. Its well never runs dry."

"Alvin Ailey was posthumously awarded the 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom - the nation's highest civilian honor. 25 years after his passing, the power of his enduring legacy continues to extend from New York to far-reaching international tours and memorable visits to communities around the globe," stated Robert Battle, Artistic Director since 2011 who will visit South Africa for the first time in September. "Mr. Ailey said it so well; 'Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.' I'm proud to lead the Company back to South Africa for the first time this century and excited for audiences there to experience uplifting performances by the world's most amazing dancers."

The repertory for the season is highlighted by "Exodus", a world premiere from bold hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris. Other works to be performed include repertory favorites "Night Creature", Alvin Ailey's homage to the musical genius of eminent American jazz composer Duke Ellington, and Battle's own high-flying and humorous solo, "Takademe". Alvin Ailey's signature masterpiece "Revelations" is acclaimed as a must-see for all and will be the program's rousing, hand-clapping finale.

Critics the world-over rave about the performance, presentation and uniqueness of this dance phenomenon. "Unbelieveable. Go see Alvin Ailey. It's change-your-life good," says The Today Show while The Miami Herald claims that "for most of its 50-plus years, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has had a distinctive profile - theatrical, energetic, heartfelt with powerhouse dancers - that has helped make it the most successful and widely seen modern dance company in the world."

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is described as life changing, and that is no hyperbole or exaggeration: the company is quite simply one of the most extraordinary and uplifting theatrical events to ever visit South Africa. Recognized by U.S. Congressional Resolution as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World," the Ailey company is hosting extensive educational activities in local schools, communities and townships, similar to Ailey's historic 1997 inaugural visit. During that tour, Time magazine proclaimed: "The Ailey company's tour leaves South Africa dancing in the aisles."

The 2015 residency in South Africa is made possible by lead sponsor Bloomberg Philanthropies with major support from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Ford Foundation, as well as assistance from travel and freight partners South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo. For further details on the Ailey organization's performances, training programs and educational activities, visit the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater website and discover more about their visit at the website of the tour's local promoters, Showtime Management. Bloomberg Philanthropies is the Lead Sponsor of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2015 South Africa Tour. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's South Africa Tour is supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's travel and freight partners for the 2015 South Africa Tour are South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo.

To book for this exciting season of dance, with 13 performances in Johannesburg at the Teatro at Montecasino from 3 - 13 September and 7 shows in Cape Town at Artscape from 16 - 20 September 2015, visit Computicket online, call 0861 915 8000, or visit or your nearest Computicket service centre. Programme A features "Polish Pieces", "Takademe", "Grace" and "Revelations" and Programme B consists of "Night Creature", "After the Rain", "Pas de Deux", "Exodus" and "Revelations". Tickets cost prices range from R100 - R475. There is a 20% discount of block bookings of 20 or more via sales@showtimes.co.za. Don't miss the opportunity to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in SA this September!

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