Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to have artistic residency and performances at the Broward Center

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to have artistic residency and performances at the Broward Center

Performances include Matthew Rushing’s ‘Odetta’, a tribute to ‘the voice of the Civil Rights Movement, and Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece, ‘Revelations’

Alvin Ailey “Revelations”.           (Photo by Gert Krautbauer)

Alvin Alley Matthew Rushing’s “Odetta” (Photo by Mike Strong)

     FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AADT), beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies, will hold an artistic residency, Thursday, Feb. 19 through Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts including five performances featuring three programs of repertoire, a student performance and a public master class.

Prior to the launch of Ailey’s exciting new season, Artistic Director Robert Battle visited the White House to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor – on behalf of Alvin Ailey. Bestowed 25 years after the passing of the company’s legendary founder, President Obama pro-claimed 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.”

The company carries on Ailey’s pioneering legacy of up-lifting, uniting and celebrating the human spirit as Ailey’s extraordinary dancers bring life to a wide variety of premieres, new productions and classic works.

The Associated Press pro-claimed that “…  the timing could hardly be more apt for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s new civil rights-themed piece” Odetta. The world premiere choreographed by renowned Ailey dancer Matthew Rushing is a tribute set to the musical repertoire of celebrated singer and civil rights activist Odetta Holmes. Holmes was known as “the voice of the Civil Rights Movement” and anointed as “the queen of American folk music” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

In addition to this season’s world premiere of Odetta, Broward Center audiences will be introduced to different and respected choreographers whose works are being performed by Ailey for the first time. After The Rain Pas de Deux, the iconic and sensual duet by famed choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, “… is set to Arvo Pärt’s ‘Spiegel Im Spiegel’…which prompts languid and soaring moves that Mr. Wheeldon’s choreography inventively embodies….” stated The Wall Street Journal. Suspended Women, created by celebrated former Martha Graham dancer, choreographer and master teacher Jacqulyn Buglisi, to a score by Maurice Ravel is called a “… complicated delight…” by New York magazine.

Other premieres and new productions to be performed at the Broward Center include Awassa Astrige/Ostrich, by Sierra Leone-born choreographer Asadata Dafora; Polish Pieces by Hans van Manen; and Bad Blood, by former Ailey dancer and renowned choreographer Ulysses Dove with music by Laurie Anderson and Peter Gabriel.

Alvin Ailey’s signature work Revelations, which celebrates African-American culture using gospel and blues, will be danced at all performances and will be one of the works performed for students at the Broward Center.

AADT will offer many educational and enriching programs during the residency. On Friday, Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m., AADT presents a Smart Stage Matinee. Student group tickets can be purchased by calling (954) 660-6307. AADT presents a master class for experienced dancers ages 14 years to adult on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m. This 90-minute session will be conducted by an Ailey company member and will focus on the Horton Technique. Space in the class is limited and there is a fee to participate. A limited number of observer seats are available. Reservations for the Alvin Ailey master class are available by calling (954) 468-2689.

The performances and artistic residency are generously supported by Funding Arts Broward, Inc. and by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Performances on Thursday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. will feature Polish Pieces, After the Rain Pas de Deux, Bad Blood and Revelations. Performances on Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. feature Odetta, Suspended Women and Revelations. The program on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. features LIFT, Awassa Astrige/Ostrich, D-Man in the Waters (Part 1) and Revelations.

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The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.