2010 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Season of Tribute to 50 Years of Revelations

New York, NY – The 2010 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s New York season, December 1 – January 2, 2011, celebrates 50 years of Revelations. Its most performed modern dance was created by its founder Alvin Ailey in 1960. This classic work is the cornerstone of the Dance Theater’s repertory and has been performed for over 23 million people in 71 countries across six continents.

Emmy Award winner Judy Kinberg’s documentary short film premieres during this 50th anniversary celebration, intertwined between each performance, setting the stage for this season of tribute.

Onstage performances in Revelations by Sweet Honey In The Rock and Judith Jamison conducting live musicians and a full choir, featuring soloist Ella Mitchell are part of the exciting performances this season at New York City Center with tickets starting at $25.  Plus, for one extraordinary week, December 15-19, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will join the Company onstage for “Ailey/Jazz”.

In addition to attending performances, fans can participate in this season of tribute by just registering online and voting, once a week, through February 20  for the Dance Theater to receive $200,000 from the American Express Member Project.  If they get the most votes in the arts & culture category, the funds received will help Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater reach a wider global audience, expand their education programs for at-risk youth, and support scholarships for talented young dancers.

Alvin Ailey formed his dance company in 1958. Before his death in 1989, he created more than 79 ballets and appointed Judith Jamison artistic director. This season also celebrates Ms. Jamison 20^th anniversary of remaining committed to furthering Alvin Ailey’s legacy and is a prelude to her stepping down as artistic director.  She has selected Robert Battle to succeed her in July 2011 in that role.  She is recognized as having “brought the Company to unprecedented success.” In her autobiography, Dancing Spirit, she wrote,  “I hope I’m a continuation of Alvin’s vision.  He has left me a road map.  It’s very clear.  It works.”