HW Pick: Ailey Launches Program to Inspire Young Harlemites And Others

The Ailey organization is launching a Young New York program in conjunction with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual holiday season at New York City Center (November 30 – December 31).Supported by The Wallace Foundation as part of a multi-year audience development project, the program will engage people between the ages of 21 – 30 through a series of special events and ticket offers.

Alvin Ailey believed that “dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.”  This initiative will further Ailey’s ongoing mission of using dance to uplift and enlighten, introducing new audiences to the great American art form of modern dance, Alvin Ailey’s must-see signature masterpiece Revelations, and the Company’s legacy that has touched the hearts and minds of people around the world for nearly 60 years.  Young New York will give participants access to classes, parties, and $25 tickets, plus the opportunity to meet Company members.

The festivities kick off with Young New York Night* on Thursday, December 1 at 7:30pm, featuring $25 tickets for every seat in the house. The performance includes Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti’s 2016 world premiere Deep, set to soulful music by Ibeyi; Awakening, Robert Battle’s striking 2015 premiere; Judith Jamison’s emotional and sensual A Case of You duet, set to the Diana Krall version of Joni Mitchell’s song by the same name; and Alvin Ailey’s timeless Revelations. Tickets for Young New York Night go on sale at noon on Friday, October 14, and can be purchased online, by phone, and at the New York City Center box office (131 W 55^th St).

After being inspired by Ailey’s world-renowned dancers at this special launch, a series of free events, as detailed below, will continue throughout December to keep Young New Yorkers dancing, mingling with the Ailey dancers, and celebrating the season. Anyone age 21 – 30 who joins Ailey’s Young New York email list will receive details and access to great seats at an affordable price throughout the season.

Click here for more information.

FREE Young New York Events**

• The First Drink’s On Us (Friday, December 2 at 9:45 pm, after the 8pm performance – NYCC Upstairs Lobby)
  Buy a ticket to this 8pm performance, and enjoy a drink on Ailey. Mingle with other 20-somethings at a free post-performance party in the upstairs lobby of the theater.  

• Get Fit with Ailey (Friday, December 9 at 6:30pm, before the 8pm performance – NYCC Upstairs Lobby)
  Young ticket-holders to this 8pm performance are invited to arrive an hour early for a heart-pumping 45-minute class taught by Ailey Extension instructors.

• Meet, Greet, and Snap (Friday, December 16 at 9:45pm, after the 8pm performance – NYCC Upstairs Lobby)
  Following this 8pm performance, Young New Yorkers are invited to meet and mingle with the Ailey dancers. Smartphones are encouraged for this Snap-worthy Insta-event. #AlvinAiley #AileyNow #AileyYoungNY

• Pre-New Year’s Eve Party (Thursday, December 29 at 9:30pm – The Ailey Studios at 405 W 55^th St)
  Jumpstart the New Year’s Eve celebration after this 7:30pm performance by heading to The Ailey Studios (just a few blocks west of NYCC) for a holiday party featuring an open bar and a DJ set by Angel + Dren.

*All ticket-buyers for this performance must be between the ages of 21-30 as of December 1, 2016. Proof of age is required. Guests of ticket buyers can be any age.

**You must present a valid ticket to an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance to attend these events. No additional purchase is required. Proof of age (21-30) is required.

For more information on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s New York City Center season, visit www.alvinailey.org. Follow Ailey’s incredible dancers on Instagram and Facebook as they perform around the world, share health and fitness tips, and rehearse for the upcoming season.