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Ties to Alvin Ailey Endure in Kansas City

For the late dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey, dance was a way to celebrate and honor the African-American experience. The company Ailey founded, the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, marks its fiftieth anniversary this year.

By Laura Spencer

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/national/local-national-792064.mp3

Kansas City, MO (2008-11-14) – The company Ailey founded, the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, marks its fiftieth anniversary this year. And it was forty years ago that the company first performed in the Kansas City area, sparking a relationship that continues to this day.

November 13 (opening)
AileyCamp 20th Anniversary Photo Essay, runs through January 1
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
3700 Blue Pkwy.
Kansas City, MO

November 13
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Opening Night with Harriman-Jewell Fine Arts Series
7:30 p.m.
Midland by AMC, 1228 Main Street, KCMO

November 14
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Anniversary Performance
& Member Event
8:00 p.m.
Midland by AMC

November 15
Alvin Ailey
American Dance Theater Community Day Matinee
2:00 p.m.
Midland by AMC

November 15
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey Gala 25
for Arts Education
5:00 p.m. Suppers
8:00 p.m. Performance
10:00 p.m. After Party

November 16
Alvin Ailey
American Dance Theater Sunday Matinee
2:00 p.m.
Midland by AMC

Laura Spencer is staff writer/editor at the Kansas City Public Library and a former arts reporter at KCUR.
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