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The irresistible dancers of Ailey are back in Birmingham after their sell-out visit in 2010 with a dazzling array of offerings. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, this all-star line-up continues to wow audiences and critics around the world.

Experience beautifully different repertoire over two days, which include Ailey classics as well as new works by some of today’s most acclaimed choreographers.

On Friday evening feel the movement and music of Cuba with Open Door and sizzling Argentinian tango re-imagined in Piazzolla Caldera.

For Saturday performances, experience hip-hop as a celebration of life in Exodus, find peace, solace and freedom in Four Corners and be swept away in a dreamlike duet in After the Rain Pas de Deux.

For the finale of all performances, experience the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world, beloved crowd-pleaser Revelations.

Fri 23 Sep PROGRAMME B – 2 Hours 5 Mins

OPEN DOOR

Choreography: Ronald K. Brown
Music recorded by Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

Renowned for his fusion of African and modern dance, Ronald K. Brown adds new flavor to his signature style, setting this work to recordings by Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Brown’s travels to Cuba inspired much of the movement, from the salsa partnering to the references to Elegba – the Santería god who opens pathways. The title hints at the power of dance and music as vehicles for culture and compassion.

PIAZZOLLA CALDERA

Choreography: Paul Taylor
Music recorded by Astor Piazzolla

Astor Piazzolla’s fiery tango music sets the stage for a series of sizzling encounters – some predatory, some playful. Paul Taylor’s work is a sensual exposé of tango as reinterpreted and reimagined with modern dance that honors the tradition of tango’s Argentinian working class roots and preserves the essence of the form.

REVELATIONS

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Music: Traditional Spirituals
Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences around the world cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.”

Sat 24 Sep PROGRAMME A – 2 hours 12 mins

FOUR CORNERS

Choreography: Ronald K. Brown
Music: Carl Hancock Rux, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Yacoub

Dancers depict spiritual seekers among four angels standing at the corners of the earth, holding the four winds. In creating his fifth commission for the Ailey company since 1999, the celebrated choreographer Ronald K. Brown turned to the song “Lamentations” by his friend, recording artist Carl Hancock Rux. Drawing from West African and modern dance influences, Brown uses grounded, earthy movements to portray figures who are burdened by grief but ultimately find peace, solace, and freedom.

EXODUS

Choreography: Rennie Harris
Music: Raphael Xavier

Acclaimed hip hop choreographer Rennie Harris explores the idea of “exodus” – from one’s ignorance and conformity – as a necessary step toward enlightenment. Set to gospel and house music along with poetic narration, the work underscores the crucial role of action and movement in effecting change. Exemplifying his view of hip hop as a “celebration of life,” Exodus marks Harris’ latest invitation to return to spiritual basics and affirm who we are.

AFTER THE RAIN PAS DE DEUX

Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon
Music: Arvo Pärt

Christopher Wheeldon’s dreamlike duet – praised for its sublime simplicity and intricate partnering – is revealed in a fresh light as the Ailey dancers make it their own.

REVELATIONS

Choreography: Alvin Ailey
Music: Traditional Spirituals
Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. Seeing Revelations for the first time or the hundredth can be a transcendent experience, with audiences around the world cheering, singing along and dancing in their seats from the opening notes of the plaintive “I Been ’Buked” to the rousing “Wade in the Water” and the triumphant finale, “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.”

Main season image: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Rachael McLaren. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

Price

Prices and discounts subject to change
Discounts & Concessions

CONCESSIONS

We offer a range of discounts and concessions to enable everyone to enjoy an affordable visit to Birmingham Hippodrome. For further queries on the information below please contact Ticket Sales on 0844 338 5000. Calls cost 4.5p/min. plus your phone companys’ access charge.

FRIENDS

2 for 1 on all performances, price bands A-C (limited availability)
Thereafter, £5 off A, £4 off B and £3 off C

EARLY BOOKING OFFER

£5 off Fri 23 Sep, 7.30pm price bands A-C (limited availability)

FIRST NIGHT 16-24 YEAR OLD’S MEMBERSHIP

£5 tickets
All performances, 7.30pm price bands B-D
Subject to limited availability. Join today.

Under 18S

2 children go 1/2 price with every full paying adult
All performances, 7.30pm price bands B-D

GROUPS

All performances, price bands A-C
8+ tickets – £22 tickets with 9th ticket FREE
(includes £1 transaction fee)

Call our dedicated Group Sales Team on 0844 338 7000 or email groupsales@birminghamhippodrome.com for more information and to book now!

SCHOOLS & YOUTH GROUPS

£13 (including £1 transaction fee) plus 1 teacher FREE with every 10 tickets purchased, all performances (limited availability)

Call the Schools Hotline on 0844 338 7000 for more information and to book now
CLICK HERE for further information on School Bookings

CONCESSIONS FOR OVER 60s, CLAIMANTS AND UNDER 18s

£3 discount, all performances price bands A-C

CONCESSIONS FOR PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES

£5 off each ticket in all seating areas.
2 for 1 for disabled patrons who require the service/support of a companion.

CLICK HERE for more information on our Access Performances

STANDBY

24 hours prior to a performance, best available seats for lowest price, maximum 2 per booker. Available to full-time students with valid ID (NUS/College or University card with photo and expiry date) or Passport to Leisure card holders with a valid Passport to Leisure card (with expiry date).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Discounts and Concessions are offered subject to availability at the discretion of the Information and Sales Manager. Top three price bands only, unless otherwise stated. Restrictions may apply. Only one discount per ticket may apply, unless otherwise stated. Offers are non retrospective and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid ID must be presented where applicable. Additional discounts may be offered from time to time.

Food & Drink

Seasonal menus

Browse through a programme and enjoy attentive service and superb, seasonal food a few steps from your seats in our AA Rosette awarded restaurant.

Royal Box Experience

For special occasions choose our VIP Experience or Royal Box Experience and make your visit one to remember.

The Coffee Bar

Our Coffee Bar is open all day for Quarter Horse barista coffee and a quick and tasty bite to eat.

Champagne & Canapés

Indulge yourself with a selection of our finest mouth-watering canapés and champagne, served at your own reserved foyer table either pre-show or during the interval.

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