Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Historic Return to South Africa after 17 Years Scheduled For September

The highly acclaimed New York-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world's most popular global dance companies, is planning an historic return to South Africa in September after 17 years with a robust schedule of 20 performances and a variety of educational activities for local students. The first visit to this continent led by Artistic Director Robert Battle includes a 13-performance engagement in Johannesburg at the Teatro at Montecasino from 3 - 13 September and seven shows in Cape Town at Artscape, from 16 - 20 September.

Presented by leading local promoters Showtime Management together with Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, the visit is made possible by lead sponsor Bloomberg Philanthropies, with major support from the Ford Foundation and assistance from travel and freight partners South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo.

"Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater last visited Johannesburg in 1998 and we are delighted to welcome back this iconic dance company for a groundbreaking return," says local promoter, Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management.

Audiences and critics the world over rave about the performance, presentation and uniqueness of this dance phenomenon. After their previous tour, Time Magazine proclaimed that "The Ailey company's tour leaves South Africa dancing in the aisles."

Recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World," Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a now fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Guided by Judith Jamison for 22 years beginning in 1989, the company has been led since 2011 by Robert Battle. Battle recently accepted the 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom - the United States of America's highest civilian honour - on behalf of legendary founder Alvin Ailey. President Barack Obama proclaimed that "through him, African-American history was told in a way that it had never been told before - with passionate, virtuoso dance performances that transfixed audiences worldwide."

Carrying on a legacy of inspiring, uniting and enlightening on the tour, Ailey's extraordinary dancers will bring life to a wide variety of new and classic works.

"Extending the Ailey company's five decades of far-reaching international tours, and memorable visits to South Africa, I'm proud to lead the company back to this continent for the first time this century," stated Robert Battle, Artistic Director since 2011. "Mr Ailey said it so well; 'Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.' I'm excited for audiences to share in uplifting performances, and for students to experience life-changing interactions with the world's most amazing dancers."

There are two alternating programmes of approximately 2 hours each, both ending with Alvin Ailey's "Revelations", an American masterpiece set to spirituals that is acclaimed as a must-see for all. Alvin Ailey's signature piece is a tribute to his heritage and a testament to his genius, exploring places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

"Exodus", a highly anticipated season world premiere by bold hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris, will be performed to a soul-lifting score of gospel house music. Rennie (Lorenzo) Harris has been known to mix Shakespeare with hip hop, poetry, rap music and movement and is a pioneer in performing, choreographing, teaching and revolutionizing contemporary concert dance by introducing the African-American dance form hip hop to a worldwide audience.

In "Polish Pieces", Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen displays his mastery for building dazzling creations from simple motifs and geometric patterns. Driven by the rhythms of Henryk Górecki's score, the 12 dancers in this colourful ensemble work create a brilliant kaleidoscope through endlessly shifting formations that culminate in two sensual pas de deux.

Christopher Wheeldon's dreamlike "After the Rain Pas de Deux" - praised for its sublime simplicity and intricate partnering - was an instant hit on New York City Ballet in 2005. Set to music by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, the sensual male-female pas de deux will be revealed in a fresh light as the Ailey dancers make it their own.

Other works to be performed include repertory favourites "Night Creature", Alvin Ailey's homage to the musical genius of eminent American composter Duke Ellington; the spiritually-charged work "Grace" by celebrated choreographer Ronald K. Brown; and Battle's own high-flying and humorous solo, "Takademe".

The Ailey organization will continue its mission of using dance to educate young people through special student performances, lecture-demonstrations, workshops and master classes on the tour. Extensive educational activities are being planned in both Johannesburg and Cape Town and the surrounding areas. Interestingly, two South African dancers/choreographers, David Matemela and Mamela Nyamza trained on scholarship at The Ailey School in New York. Both of these highly talented dancers returned home with invaluable knowledge of dance techniques and style, which contributed enormously to their success on the local front.

"I know that South African audiences will be transfixed and inspired by the company's performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as the fantastic educational outreach programs that the group is planning during their visit," stated United States Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick H. Gaspard. "Receiving the Ailey company in South Africa in September will truly be a highlight of my tenure as Ambassador."

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 23 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.

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, visit at 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.

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