The acclaimed New York-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular global modern dance companies, returns to South Africa in September after 17 years. They will do 13 performances in Johannesburg at the Teatro at Montecasino from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 13 and seven shows in Cape Town at Artscape, from September 16 to 20. Tickets are on sale at Computicket.

The artistry, power and passion of the company’s 32 extraordinary dancers in performances of works by a spectrum of renowned choreographers impacts audiences around the world emotionally and physically, bringing them to their feet in cheering standing ovations.

Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece Revelations is acclaimed as a must-see for all and will be the program’s rousing, hand-clapping finale.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is described as life changing, and that is no hyperbole or exaggeration: the company is quite simply one of the most extraordinary and uplifting theatrical events to ever visit South Africa.

Recognised by United States Congressional Resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” the Ailey company is hosting extensive educational activities in local schools, communities and townships, similar to Ailey’s historic 1997 inaugural visit.

The 2015 residency in South Africa is made possible by Bloomberg Philanthropies with major support from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and the Ford Foundation, as well as assistance from travel and freight partners South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on six continents, inspiring all in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition.

The incredible athleticism, technique and spirit of the dancers, performing a diverse and dynamic repertory of classics and premieres to a variety of music, is like nothing else presented in this country.

After Ailey’s recent New York performances, The Huffington Post reported that the Company has  “…some of the greatest modern dancers in the United States, with choreography by masters coming from a rich source of creativity and exacting expertise. Its well never runs dry.”

“Alvin Ailey was posthumously awarded the 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honour.  Twenty-five years after his passing, the power of his enduring legacy continues to extend from New York to far-reaching international tours and memorable visits to communities around the globe,” stated Robert Battle, artistic director since 2011 who will visit South Africa for the first time.

“Mr. Ailey said it so well: ‘Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.’  I’m proud to lead the company back to South Africa for the first time this century and excited for audiences there to experience uplifting performances by the world’s most amazing dancers.”

Repertory for the season is highlighted by Exodus, a world premiere from bold hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris. In addition to Alvin Ailey’s must-see American classic Revelations, other works to be performed include repertory favourites Night Creature, Alvin Ailey’s homage to the musical genius of eminent American jazz composer Duke Ellington, and Battle’s own high-flying and humorous solo, Takademe.

Booking is through Computicket – phone 0861 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com. For further details on the Ailey organiaation’s performances, training programmes and educational activities, visit www.alvinailey.org.