Alvin Ailey Return to Chicago Celebrating the Big Five-Oh!

Stephanie S. Green, NBC Chicago Street Team

Spring has come and so has the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Anniversary Celebration!





The Company - Photo by Andrew Eccles

For dance fans in Chicago, the coming of Spring means far more than the anticipation of good weather - it means that the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Auditorium Theatre! This year, Alvin Ailey celebrates its 5oth Anniversary and there are numerous ways that you can join in the celebration!

On Tuesday, March 31st, go for broke with the Alvin Ailey Circle 50th Anniversary Celebration! The $5oo ticket price may pull a hamstring, but, don't let that cramp your style. You'll get to enjoy cocktails, dinner, rubbing elbows (tootsies) with the dancers and the satisfaction of knowing that your generosity will help provide complimentary performance tickets to children attending AileyCamp in Chicago!

The Company - Photo by Andrew Eccles

Okay, maybe $500 is a little too rich for your currently lean body. No worries, because on Wednesday, April 1st from 5-7pm, you can schmooze for a mere $50 at the Pre-Show Reception at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique! Enjoy hors d'ouevres, wine and the company of the Alvin Ailey dancers (including Glenn Allen Simms and Tina Monica Williams) and dance enthusiasts at the luxuriously appointed, theatrical setting of Russian Pointe. Afterwards, a trolley will whisk you off to the Auditorium Theatre for the 7:30pm performance.

Sweet Honey In the Rock. Photo by Dwight Carter

At the April 1st performance, you'll enjoy traditional favorites (can't miss Revelations!) and new works! But, wait - there's more: AAADT will be joined by Sweet Honey In the Rock for one night only! That's right, the soulful, soul-stirring, melodious sounds of Sweet Honey In the Rock can only push the already moving performances to even more incredible heights! If April 1st doesn't work for you, you'll still have an opportunity on April 3rd, 4th or 5th to experience the beauty, grace, emotion and passion that is always the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater! Don't miss it!

Clifton Brown and Linda Celeste Sims. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in 1958 by dancer, choreographer and visionary, Alvin Ailey. Mr. Ailey created the company to establish a multi-racial repertory company dedicated to presenting dance works from the past and present from both established and emerging choreographers.

Today, under the artistic direction of Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is made up of 30 of the most talented and versatile dancers in the world. Its impressive repertory features work from choreographers like Ulysses Dove, Talley Beatty and Alvin Ailey. Since its inception, Ailey has performed in over 71 countries on six continents. A typical Ailey season includes an international tour, US tour to over 20 cities,and a five-week New York season at New York City Center. (www.MySpace.com/AAADT)