This week, the amazing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returned to South Africa after two decades. The Company is set to perform at Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg (SEP 3 ? 13) & Opera House, Artscape in Cape Town (SEP 16 ? 20).
While there, the Company will also lead workshops, lecture demonstrations, and master classes at 24 schools, universities, and community centers throughout the country, including Bapedi Lower Primary School in Soweto, Pretoria University, Dance Factory in Newton, National School of the Arts, and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
?I know that South African audiences will be transfixed and inspired by the company?s performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as the fantastic educational outreach programs that the group is planning during their visit,? said United States Ambassador to South Africa Patrick H. Gaspard.? ?Receiving the Ailey Company in South Africa?will truly be a highlight of my tenure as Ambassador.?
AAADT Artistic Director Robert Battle shares Gaspard?s enthusiasm. ?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. 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.?
The Company, now led by Battle, has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents, promoting the uniqueness of the African?American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. In 2014, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded the late Mr. Ailey the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Catch AAADT?s City Center Season of performances taking place in NYC from December 2 to January 3. Tickets go on sale September 8.
