Auditorium Theatre Welcomes Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Now thru 3/17

Executive Director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Brett Batterson, welcomes world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to Chicago for an unprecedented 10 full performances, tonight, March 8 - 17.

Robert Battle returns for his second year as Artistic Director to lead one of the most popular dance companies through a 21-city tour, continuing to inspire and delight audiences with both new, innovative work as well as traditional pieces that have made Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater a staple on the international stage.

Tickets ($32 - $92) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787) or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). Two Student Matinee performances are offered on March 14 and 15, open to any elementary through high school for $12 each. Tickets are available by calling (312) 341-2357.

"Seeing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on the Auditorium Theatre's Landmark Stage is an experience like no other," said Brett Batterson. "We are honored to welcome back Robert Battle and his 'cultural ambassadors of the world' to their home here in Chicago for a 10 day run. There is truly something for everyone in this eclectic program that features so much breadth and diversity."

"There is never a shortage of reasons to celebrate the arrival of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater..." ("Chicago Sun-Times") and this year is no different. The rousing programs feature brand new pieces added to the Ailey repertoire and never seen by Chicago audiences including the world premiere of Kyle Abraham's "Another Night;" Tony Award-winning choreographer ("The Lion King") Garth Fagan's "From Before," danced for the first time by another company besides his own; Artistic Director Robert Battle's inspiring and thrilling duet "Strange Humors;" the revival of Ronald K. Brown's landmark piece "Grace," originally created for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1999; "Petite Mort," the first piece by renowned choreographer Ji?í Kylián ever danced by the company; hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris' "Home," set to a soul-lifting score of gospel house music and inspired by people living with or affected by HIV; Ohad Naharin's inventive and highly improvised "Minus 16;" as well as classics from Alvin Ailey's own body of work including his personal masterpiece, "Revelations."

Building on a successful first season with the company, Artistic Director Robert Battle continues to enhance the already rich repertory of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater by combining a vibrant array of new choreographic voices with classical and traditional pieces. Battle stands by Ailey's mission to inspire audiences in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. Battle's vision allows Ailey's extraordinary artists to push their limits with a diverse repertoire while connecting to audiences on various emotional levels.

"I'm thrilled to further expand Ailey's diverse repertory with new voices and talented contemporary choreographers that showcase the depth and breadth of the dancers' artistry," said Battle. "Audiences will experience new treasures, along with encores of last season's notable works and beloved pieces from Ailey's rich history and to be dancing these pieces on the Auditorium Theatre stage for two weeks is a privilege and delight for the entire Ailey family."