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Ailey’s 5-Week NYC Holiday Season Continues This Week with 2 World Premieres & A New Production

Posted December 5, 2016

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s five-week engagement at New York City Center continues this week with the world premiere of MacArthur “Genius” Kyle Abraham’s Untitled America on Wednesday, December 7^th. A three-part suite, Untitled America shines a light on the lasting impact of the prison system on African-American families and individuals. Using Abraham’s signature avant-garde aesthetic, the work was developed over three seasons and features haunting interviews by those impacted by incarceration.

A new production of Billy Wilson’s The Winter in Lisbon debuts on Thursday, December 8^th, paying tribute to consummate jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie. The Winter in Lisbon evokes an atmosphere in which the dancers challenge, tease, and pursue romance against a backdrop of rhythm and color. Dizzy Gillespie’s brilliant music sets the tone for this sizzling ballet celebrating four decades of his work.

Friday, December 9^th marks the world premiere of Ailey dancer Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream., inspired by the sermons and speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. during a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Boykin’s large ensemble work features members of Ailey II and melds creative storytelling, new music composed by Ali Jackson (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and historic and original writings narrated by Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton).

Other highlights this week include: “Ailey Fit at New York City Center,” an adrenaline-filled 45-minute Ailey Extension sample class exclusively for young New Yorkers on Friday, December 9^th at 6:30 p.m.; “All Ailey” program comprised of works choreographed by the Company’s legendary founder on Saturday, December 10^th at 8 p.m.; and “All New” program featuring three season premieres on Sunday, December 11^th at 7:30 p.m.

After the New York City Center engagement concludes on New Year’s Eve, Ailey will perform in 19 cities across North America beginning in February. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.