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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

Kansas City is known for its style of jazz, influenced by the blues, as the home of Walt Disney’s first animation studio and the headquarters of Hallmark Cards. As one of KCUR’s arts reporters, I want people here to know a wide range of arts and culture stories from across the metropolitan area. I take listeners behind the scenes and introduce them to emerging artists and organizations, as well as keep up with established institutions. Send me an email at lauras@kcur.org or follow me on Twitter @lauraspencer.
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