Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Returns to Atlanta Feb. 16-19, 2023for Five Exciting Performances at The Fox Theatre

ATLANTA – (Jan. 26, 2023) – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies, returns to the Fox Theatre, February 16-19 for five show-stopping performances featuring eight different dance works as part of a 22-city North American tour. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will move audiences with world and company premieres by Kyle Abraham, Jamar Roberts, and Twyla Tharp. In addition to two repertory favorites by Robert Battle, founder Alvin Ailey’s choreography is spotlighted with a new production of Survivors for the first-time ever, a dance from his legendary collaboration with Duke Ellington, and the must-see masterpiece Revelations as the finale of all performances.
​​
​“I look forward to being back on the Fox Theatre stage with the brilliance of Ailey’s dancers in this season’s repertory flowing with some of Alvin Ailey’s most memorable works while premiering choreography by Kyle Abraham and Jamar Roberts that explore Black culture and love through soulful and inventive musical journeys,” said Artistic Director Robert Battle. “For decades, Atlanta’s unique cultural and civic contributions have served as an inspiration and a touchstone, and we’re proud to share our vision of resilience, artistry and the joy of connections on our return to a center of the Civil Rights Movement.”

The Thursday, Feb. 16 opening performance features acclaimed choreographer Twyla Tharp’s silky and sultry Roy’s Joys (1997), embodying the spontaneity of a 1940s and 50s jazz soundtrack by Roy Eldridge. Mixing vernacular dance with ballet and modern technique, Roy’s Joys exudes an easy, carefree energy that shows Tharp, a contemporary of Mr. Ailey, at her rollicking best. A new production of Survivors (1986), Alvin Ailey’s impassioned tribute to the profound courage and terrible anguish of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, will be seen this season for the first time since 1988. A soundtrack of Max Roach’s richly varied drumming and Abbey Lincoln’s powerful vocals sets the emotional tone for a work that presents a portrait of people transformed by injustice and lifts up those who resist oppression in any form. This program repeats on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

The Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. performance introduces acclaimed choreographer Kyle Abraham’s Are You in Your Feelings?, a celebration of Black culture, Black music, and the youthful spirit that perseveres in us all. Scored to a “mixtape” of soul, hip-hop, and R&B from featuring beloved musical artists like Jhené Aiko, Drake, Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, Jazmine Sullivan, and Summer Walker, the critically applauded work explores the connections among music, communication, and personal memory. Continuing to expand its diverse repertory, the Company will also present In a Sentimental Mood by Jamar Roberts, an intimate scene from the domestic life of a couple that becomes an exploration of love and desire. The work is set to an original composition by Duke Ellington and four jazz standards given an avant-garde twist by composer Rafiq Bhatia. Another highlight for the evening program is For Four, an exuberant quartet by Artistic Director Robert Battle that expresses the pent-up energy of a cooped-up world during the COVID-19 pandemic. It features four Ailey dancers and Wynton Marsalis’ delicious jazz score - written in 4/4 time. This program repeats on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.

The Family Matinee program on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. features one of Mr. Ailey’s most popular works: Night Creature, a bubbly champagne cocktail of a dance that celebrates the musical genius of Duke Ellington. The program also includes For Four and Robert Battle’s swirling duet Unfold, evoking the tenderness and ecstasy in Gustave Charpentier’s aria “Depuis le jour” sung by the incomparable Leontyne Price. The Family Matinee is followed by a free Q&A featuring Artistic Director Robert Battle.

The inspiring finale of all programs is Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations, acclaimed around the world for sending hearts soaring and lifting audiences to their feet. Since its debut in 1960, Revelations has been seen by more people than any other modern dance work and has moved audiences around the world through its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring music, evoking timeless themes of determination, hope, and transcendence. Springing from Ailey’s childhood memories of growing up in the south and attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas, Revelations pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African-American and explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition.

On Friday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m., Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will host a school-time performance to introduce area students to the magic of Alvin Ailey’s must-see masterpiece Revelations. The hour-long educational experience, moderated by one of Ailey’s dancers, also features an excerpt of Are You in Your Feelings? and an insider’s look behind-the-scenes to inspire young people. It was as a student attending an Atlanta Ailey performance that Christopher R. Wilson, an Augusta, Georgia native who is now an Ailey dancer, began his journey into the world of dance that will led him to center stage at the Fox Theatre.
​​
​In addition to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s captivating live performances, the Ailey organization is also excited to offer workshops, residencies, and auditions, including:

In 1958, Alvin Ailey and a small group of dancers took the stage in New York and forever changed American dance and culture. One of the country’s groundbreaking greats, his Company earned a reputation as one of the finest international ambassadors of American culture, promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of American modern dance. Now in its seventh decade, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to move forward under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, along with Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, a renowned former dancer who is marking his 30th anniversary with Ailey this season. In 2014, Robert Battle accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on behalf of the late Alvin Ailey, a trailblazing artist who is the subject of the acclaimed documentary Ailey, currently streaming on Hulu.

Approved masks are strongly encouraged but not required. CDC guidelines state that bandanas, gaiters, or masks with vents/valves are not approved masks. The Fox Theatre is committed to following the latest health and safety protocols established by the CDC, local government, and unions. For the latest updates, please visit foxtheatre.org.

For more information on Ailey’s upcoming performances, visit www.alvinailey.org. For additional press materials, including bios, b-roll, and photos, members of the media may visit pressroom.alvinailey.org.

Calendar Listing Information

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns during Black History Month to center stage at The Fabulous Fox Theatre from Feb. 16-19. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, the highly-anticipated 2023 Atlanta engagement showcases the passionate spirit and extraordinary technique of Ailey’s dancers in premieres, new productions and repertory favorites. The uplifting finale of all five audience-captivating performances will be the must-see masterpiece Revelations. Tickets, starting at $29, are available at The Fox Theatre box office, 660 Peachtree Street NE, www.alvinailey.org, www.foxatltix.com or by calling 855-285-8499.

Ailey’s 2023 Atlanta Engagement Performance Dates and Times

Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. – Roy’s Joys / Survivors / Revelations

Friday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m. – Student Performance (moderated by Company member)

Speaking, Are You in Your Feelings? (excerpt), Speaking, Revelations, Speaking

Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. – In a Sentimental Mood, For Four/ Are You in Your Feelings? / Revelations

Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. – Night Creature, For Four / Unfold / Revelations *

Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. – Roy’s Joys / Survivors / Revelations

Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. – In a Sentimental Mood, For Four/ Are You in Your Feelings? / Revelations

*Family Matinee followed by free Q&A featuring Artistic Director Robert Battle

Tickets

Tickets for Ailey’s 2023 Atlanta engagement from Feb. 16 to 19 are on sale starting at $29 at The Fox Theatre box office, 660 Peachtree Street NE, www.alvinailey.org, www.foxatltix.com or by calling 855-285-8499. Save 25% on tickets $39 or higher when you purchase by December 24 using code CHEER (limited 8 tickets per order and subject to availability).