Alvin Ailey dance company to perform at the Lied

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will bring a thrilling and joyous performance to the Lied Center stage on April 7.

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are on sale at http://liedcenter.org, at the Lied Center box office at 12th and R streets, or by phone at 402-472-4747.

The dance company grew from a storied performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street YMCA in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance. The Ailey company has gone on to perform for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents -- as well as millions more through television broadcasts. In 2008, a U.S. Congressional resolution designated the company as "a vital American cultural ambassador to the world," one that celebrates the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance heritage.

When Ailey began creating dances, he drew upon his "blood memories" of Texas, the blues, spirituals and gospel as inspiration, which resulted in his most popular and critically acclaimed work, "Revelations." Although he created 79 ballets over his lifetime, Mr. Ailey maintained that his company was not exclusively a repository for his own work.

More than 235 works by more than 90 choreographers are part of the Ailey company’s repertory. Before his death in 1989, Ailey designated Judith Jamison as his successor, and over the next 21 years, she brought the company to unprecedented success. Jamison selected Robert Battle to succeed her in 2011, and The New York Times declared he "has injected the company with new life."

"We couldn’t be prouder to present Alvin Ailey as part of our 25th anniversary season,” said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied. “Year after year, this company continues to confirm what dance lovers have long known. In terms of unparalleled artistry, athletic strength and boundless passion, nothing beats Ailey. This performance will truly transform lives on April 7."

Writer: Carrie Christensen, Lied Center for Performing Arts