Audiences in Johannesburg and Cape Town to be Inspired by Performances of World-Renowned Dancers During Highly-Anticipated Visit to South Africa this September
Hashtag: #AlvinAileySA
The highly acclaimed New York-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular global modern dance companies, returns to South Africa in September after 17 years with 13 performances in Johannesburg at the Teatro at Montecasino from Thursday, 3 September to Sunday, 13 September 2015 and seven shows in Cape Town at Artscape, from 16 to 20 September 2015. Tickets are on sale at Computicket.
The artistry, power and passion of the company’s 32 extraordinary dancers in performances of works by a spectrum of renowned choreographers impacts audiences around the world emotionally and physically, bringing them to their feet in cheering standing ovations. Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece Revelations is acclaimed as a must-see for all and will be the program’s rousing, hand-clapping finale. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is described as life changing, and that is no hyperbole or exaggeration: the company is quite simply one of the most extraordinary and uplifting theatrical events to ever visit South Africa.
Recognized by U.S. Congressional Resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” the Ailey company is hosting extensive educational activities in local schools, communities and townships, similar to Ailey’s historic 1997 inaugural visit. Covered by Time, the magazine proclaimed, “The Ailey company’s tour leaves South Africa dancing in the aisles.” The 2015 residency in South Africa is made possible by lead sponsor Bloomberg Philanthropies with major support from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Ford Foundation, as well as assistance from travel and freight partners South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents, inspiring all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. The incredible athleticism, technique and spirit of the dancers, performing a diverse and dynamic repertory of classics and premieres to a variety of music, is like nothing else presented in this country. After Ailey’s recent New York performances, The Huffington Post reported that the Company has “…some of the greatest modern dancers in the United States, with choreography by masters coming from a rich source of creativity and exacting expertise. Its well never runs dry.”
“Alvin Ailey was posthumously awarded the 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor. 25 years after his passing, the power of his enduring legacy continues to extend from New York to far-reaching international tours and memorable visits to communities around the globe,” stated Robert Battle, Artistic Director since 2011 who will visit South Africa for the first time in September. “Mr. Ailey said it so well; ‘Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.’ I’m proud to lead the Company back to South Africa for the first time this century and excited for audiences there to experience uplifting performances by the world’s most amazing dancers.”
Repertory for the season is highlighted by Exodus, a world premiere from bold hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris. In addition to Alvin Ailey’s must-see American classic Revelations, other works to be performed include repertory favorites Night Creature, Alvin Ailey’s homage to the musical genius of eminent American jazz composer Duke Ellington, and Battle’s own high-flying and humorous solo, Takademe.
Critics the world-over rave about the performance, presentation and uniqueness of this dance phenomenon. “Unbelieveable. Go see Alvin Ailey. It’s change-your-life good” says The Today Show while The Miami Herald claims; “For most of its 50-plus years, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has had a distinctive profile – theatrical, energetic, heartfelt with powerhouse dancers – that has helped make it the most successful and widely seen modern dance company in the world.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in SA this September! Book now at Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or your nearest Computicket service centre or discover more about the visit at www.showtime.co.za. For further details on the Ailey organization’s performances, training programs and educational activities, visit www.alvinailey.org.
Less than one month till the Ailey dancers take to the stage in South Africa! Time to WIN with #AlvinAileySA and…
Posted by Showtime Management on Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Bloomberg Philanthropies is the Lead Sponsor of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 2015 South Africa Tour
Bank of America Merrill Lynch is a Major Sponsor of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 2015 South Africa Tour
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s South Africa Tour is supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s travel and freight partners for the 2015 South Africa Tour are South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Community Engagement Programs are supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Embassy.
Johannesburg Show Information
Venue: Teatro at Montecasino
Show Dates And Times:
Thursday, 3 September to Sunday, 13 September 2015
No shows on Mondays and Tuesdays
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 8pm
Saturdays – 2pm and 8pm
Sundays – 1:30pm and 6:30pm
Programming – Subject to Change
Thursday, 9/3 @ 8:00pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Friday, 9/4 @ 8:00pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Saturday, 9/5 @ 2:00pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Saturday, 9/5 @ 8:00pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Sunday, 9/6 @ 1:30pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Sunday, 9/6 @ 6:30pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Wednesday, 9/9 @ 8:00pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Thursday, 9/10 @ 8:00pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Friday, 9/11 @ 8:00pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Saturday, 9/12 @ 2:00pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Saturday, 9/12 @ 8:00pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Sunday, 9/13 @ 1:30pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Sunday, 9/13 @ 6:30pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations
Ticket Prices:
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 6:30pm – R100 to R490
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 1:30pm– R100 to R590 per person inclusive
Bookings:
Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket service centre.
Group Bookings
20% Discount on groups of 20 and more.
Enquiries: sales@showtime.co.za, 079 218 1658
Hospitality and Show & Stay Packages
For Montecasino Group Hospitality Packages (20+ tickets) please contact montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com or telephone 011 367 4250
For Montecasino Show & Stay Packages at one of the Montecasino Hotels (available for Friday and Saturday 8pm performances) please contact montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com or telephone 011 367 4250
Cape Town Show Information
Venue: Opera House, Artscape
Show Dates: Wednesday, 16 September to Sunday, 20 September 2015
Times:
No shows on Mondays and Tuesdays
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 8pm
Saturday, 19 September – 2pm and 8pm
Sunday, 20 September– 1:30pm and 6:30pm
Programming – Subject to Change
Wednesday, 9/16 @ 8:00pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Thursday, 9/17 @ 8:00pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Friday, 9/18 @ 8:00pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Saturday, 9/19 @ 2:00pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Saturday, 9/19 @ 8:00pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations Sunday, 9/20 @ 1:30pm A: Polish Pieces, Takademe / Grace / Revelations Sunday, 9/20 @ 6:30pm B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux / Exodus / Revelations
Ticket Prices:
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 6:30pm – R100 to R 375
Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinee – R100 to R475 per person inclusive
Bookings:
Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket service centre.
Group Bookings
20% Discount on groups of 20 and more
Enquiries: sales@showtime.co.za, 079 218 1658
Programme
± 2 Hours. Alternates at each performance
PROGRAMME A: Polish Pieces, Takademe/Grace/Revelations
PROGRAMME B: Night Creature, After the Rain Pas de Deux/Exodus/Revelations
About Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” grew from a now-fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Founded by Alvin Ailey, recent posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor, and guided by Judith Jamison beginning in 1989, the Company is now led by Robert Battle, whom Judith Jamison chose to succeed her on July 1, 2011. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents – as well as millions more through television broadcasts, film screenings, and online platforms – promoting the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. In addition to being the Principal Dance Company of New York City Center, where its performances have become a year-end tradition, the Ailey company performs annually at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami, The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark where it is the Principal Resident Affiliate), and appears frequently in other major theaters throughout the United States and the world during extensive yearly tours. The Ailey organization also includes Ailey II (1974), a second performing company of emerging young dancers and innovative choreographers; The Ailey School (1969), one of the most extensive dance training programs in the world; Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs, which brings dance into the classrooms, communities and lives of people of all ages; and The Ailey Extension (2005), a program offering dance and fitness classes to the general public, which began with the opening of Ailey’s permanent home—the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the dance capital of the world —named The Joan Weill Center for Dance, at 55th Street at 9th Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies’ mission is to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Public Health, Environment, Education, Government Innovation and the Arts. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $462 million. For more information on the philanthropy, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @BloombergDotOrg.
About Bank Of America Merrill Lynch Corporate Social Responsibility
Developing solutions for social and economic challenges is at the core of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s responsibility platform. In more than 90 countries around the world, we partner with employees, clients and stakeholders to help make financial lives better. The company focuses on responsible business practices, environmental sustainability, advancing opportunity in local communities through education and employability programmes and investing in global leadership development. We realise the power of our people and value our differences, recognising that our diversity makes us a stronger firm and allows us to better service our stakeholders. By harnessing our intellectual resources, sharing knowledge and connecting capital with need, we are providing opportunities that effect positive change. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about and follow us on Twitter @BofAML www.bankofamerica.com
About Showtime Management (SA)
Originally founded by Hazel Feldman and now with her son and partner, Tony – Showtime Management has set the benchmark for the presentation of quality, international-standard shows and events, many of which have been presented throughout South Africa, Asia, Europe and Las Vegas. Concert productions include: The Rolling Stones; Frank Sinatra; Elton John; Rod Stewart; Pavarotti; Seal; Diana Ross; Liza Minnelli; The 3 Tenors; Black Eyed Peas; Deadmau5; 50 Cent; George Benson; Swedish House Mafia, the FIFA 2010 Kick-off Concert with John Legend; Shakira and a host of international and local artistes; Tap Dogs; Hardwell; the Electric 2014 NYE Ball featuring the legendary Carl Cox, Eminem’s Rapture SA Tour, Ultra 2014, Cirque Eloize and Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic. This year’s line-up features Ultra 2015, Jason Mraz, Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Russell Brand and Engelbert Humperdinck. Musical Theatre productions include Fame; Chicago; We Will Rock You, Beauty & The Beast; High School Musical; Rent; Mamma Mia!; Dreamgirls; Menopause The Musical; Beautiful Creatures; Dirty Dancing and Jersey Boys South Africa, Asia and Turkey. More information available at www.showtime.co.za.