Alvin Ailey Extensions is celebrating the life Ailey with a panel discussion on what would have been his 85 birthday.
Judith Jamison, Sylvia Waters and Donna Wood will discuss their personal experiences with Ailey at the Celebrating the Life of Alvin Ailey panel. All former dancers and muses to Ailey the three knew him best and will share a unique look into his life. The panel will also discuss the work of the company and maintaining their mission, “dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.”
The panel will be held on Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Joan Weill Center for Dance. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the theater’s website.
Ailey is most noted for establishing the Alvin Ailey American Dance theater, dedicated to enriching modern American dance and preserving African American culture in their productions. The dancers of the company are currently putting on performances for the holiday season. These include some of Ailey’s classics like Cry, Blue Suite and Revelations. These will also be performed on the the special New Years Eve 50 Anniversary Celebration for Ms. Jamison. Jamison’s A Case of You Duet will also be performed with a special return by former Ailey dancer Clifton Brown.
Holiday performances at the New York City Center going through to Jan. 3.
