Sometimes you just have to sit back, shake your head and absolutely thank the “God’s of the Arts” that you live in New York City.  To salute the legacy of dance that’s helped make Broadway—“Broadway”— Morgan Stanley presents “Lights on Broadway.” Taking place in Times Square this event will spotlight six decades of Ailey inspired dance moving from Times Square to the Ailey Citigroup Theater. 

 

In February to celebrate Black History Month Morgan Stanley “Lights on Broadway” salute made it easy for New Yorkers and tourists alike to express their support  #JoinTheDance along with a remember that #MSGivesBack. The campaign in the “Crosswords of the World” highlighted Ailey’s status as “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” and recognized the organization’s six decades of “celebrating the African-American heritage and the modern dance tradition,” and its offerings of “performances, training, and education programs that enlighten all.”

 

Alvin Ailey’s mission has always been clear and that’s to celebrate our common humanity and to showcase the spring to life as the talented young dancers of Ailey take the stage at the Ailey Citigroup Theater March 14-25.  Renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country's best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today's most outstanding emerging choreographers, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to New York for an exciting two-week season. Led by Artistic Director Troy Powell, these talented young dancers will prove why “there’s nothing like an evening spent with Ailey II” (The New York Times). Audiences will have the opportunity to see “the next generation of dance” in a diverse range of works, including three striking 2017-18 season premieres: Darrell Grand Moultrie’s Road To One, about embracing the journey; Juel D. Lane’s Touch & Agree, exploring love, commitment, and identity; and Renee I. McDonald’s Breaking Point, an intense work about being pushed to the limit. 

 

Heads up, New Yorkers of all ages and levels will have a rare opportunity to learn from Troy Powell, when he leads a one-night-only Ailey Extension Horton Workshop on Wednesday, March 7 at 6 pm, just a week before the second company’s New York season. Powell was selected by Mr. Ailey himself to receive a scholarship to The Ailey School, before joining Ailey II and later Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and eventually becoming only the second person to lead Ailey II. Participants will learn movement based on the technique created by Alvin Ailey’s mentor, Lester Horton, which is the foundation for many classic Ailey works – including his signature masterpiece, Revelations. Designed to expand Alvin Ailey’s life-long commitment to bringing dance to everyone, Ailey Extension classes and workshops impart the rich history of Ailey’s signature style, which changed the perception of modern American dance around the world.