Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater return for 4th visit to Birmingham Hippdrome

 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular dance companies, will return to Birmingham Hippodrome for the first time in six years and present two exhilarating programmes on 23 & 24 September during its autumn tour 2016.

Founded in 1958, the company is recognised by the U.S. Congress as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World.” Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s performances celebrate the human spirit through the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. In almost six decades, Ailey’s artists have performed for over 25 million people in 71 countries on six continents and continue to wow audiences and critics around the world.

Artistic Director ROBERT BATTLE said: “I’m proud to continue Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s legacy of extensive international tours with my inaugural visit leading the Company’s extraordinary dancers through the United Kingdom.  I’m excited for audiences old and new to experience the uplifting performances that have inspired people the world over, fulfilling Mr. Ailey’s belief that ‘Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.’”

The programme will include UK premieres by some of today’s most acclaimed choreographers: the uplifting Exodus by hip hop choreographer Rennie Harris; the spiritual journey of Four Corners by Ronald K. Brown; and the Cuban-inspired Open Door by Ronald K. Brown. Company UK premieres include the dreamlike duet After the Rain Pas de Deux by Christopher Wheeldon and the passionate homage to tango’s Argentinian working class roots in Piazzolla Caldera by Paul Taylor.

Drawing the evening to a close will be Revelations by Alvin Ailey. The beloved crowd-pleaser, the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world, will be performed by the incomparable Ailey dancers. Revelations premiered in 1960 and continues to bring audiences all around the world to their feet.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive FIONA ALLAN commented: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for their fourth visit to the Hippodrome.  I’ve been lucky to see them live on many occasions – both in the UK and in their home city of New York- and truly think they are one of the most compelling and inventive dance companies anywhere in the world.

“The Hippodrome is one of the best stages for dance in Europe, and so seeing one of the world’s greatest companies perform here is a real treat.   It’s no wonder we remain committed  to presenting world class dance here in Birmingham- over spring we are bringing companies and dancers from Taiwan, Canada, France, Argentina, the Netherlands , as well as the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Shakespeare Season and farewell performances by ballet superstar Carlos Acosta. Autumn will see our co-presentation of Vamos Cuba- incredible dancers and musicians from Havana.  For me, Alvin Ailey is the icing on the cake of an unforgettable year- I can’t recommend this company highly enough.”  

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be at Birmingham Hippodrome on 23 & 24 September 2016. Tickets are priced from £10.  Purchase online or telephone 0844 338 5000. A 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person) postage from £1. Phone calls from 4.5p per minute. Prices and discounting subject to change.