Following record-breaking performances in New York City that brought full houses to their feet, Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater returned to Los Angeles April 17-21 with a six performance engagement at The Music Center and activities throughout the city including a free-to-the-public, all day celebration in Grand Park on Saturday, April 6 culminating with the largest ever participatory recreation of Revelations excerpts.   

 Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle in his inaugural Music Center engagement, Ailey’s 30 extraordinary dancers, including acclaimed Guest Artist Matthew Rushing from Los Angeles, brought three powerful and memorable programs to the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion from April 17-21.

 The Ailey Organization, continuing its mission of using dance to educate, inspire and entertain by reaching young people, will brings its acclaimed Revelations: An Interdisciplinary Approach curriculum program, as well as Master Classes and Lecture-Demonstrations, to Los Angeles area schools.  Utilizing Alvin Ailey’s signature work, Revelations, the educational program is an inspirational framework for a comprehensive study of language arts, social studies, and dance.   Thanks to the support of Glorya Kaufman, the programs will reach students in Los Angeles area schools.

 The Revelations choreography also took center stage in an outdoor venue as The Music Center presents RockaYourSoul: LA’s Celebration of Gospel, Dance and Ailey on Saturday, April 6,at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles.  This free first-of-its-kind festival celebrated Los Angeles’ love for Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater and Revelations, in particular.  Ailey fans and novices alike will join hundreds of others in instruction from Ailey teaching artists and enjoy a variety of other activities and performances, including gospel choirs, quilt-making, visual arts workshops, singing workshops and more.  The event culminates with the largest participatory recreation of excerpts from Ailey’s seminal work Revelations ever – performed together by Grand Park guests on the park’s Event Lawn.

Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater first appeared at the Music Center in 1998 and is one of the most popular dance companies to regularly perform in this series, having previously been presented 4 times.

 (1960) Choreographed by Alvin Ailey   Music: Traditional Spirituals  – An American classic acclaimed as a must‐see for all, Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece is a tribute to his heritage and genius.  Using African-American religious music–spirituals–this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

 “Given Alvin Ailey’s history with Los Angeles, the city where he grew up and began his journey in dance, it is only fitting that Ailey will be inspiring so many during the Company’s return,” stated Artistic Director Robert Battle.   “ I’m thrilled to showcase the depth and breadth of the dancers’ artistry  at the Music Center, with a diverse repertory featuring new treasures by  talented contemporary choreographers and a program that highlights the genius of our legendary founder.” 

Renae Williams Niles, Director of Programming for The Music Center, said, “Every time the Ailey company returns its a joyous homecoming as it was right here in Los Angeles that Ailey spent his formative years as a dance student, dancer and budding choreographer.  This year we will highlight the significance and universal allure of Ailey’s Revelations through[an] all-day extravaganza on April 6 as well as with educational activities in classrooms all over the county and a student performance for over 3,000 middle and high school students.  An absolute treat for audiences will be The Music Center debut of one of my favorite contemporary works, Minus 16 by Ohad Naharin as well as the beloved Petite Mort by contemporary dance legend Jiří Kylián.”