‘Ailey Experience Destination Dance Atlanta’ Presents A Virtual Multiday Festival This Weekend
Lisa Johnson-Willingham leads Ailey Experience in Atlanta at AREA.
Shoccara Marcus
Every year since 1976, usually in February, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre.
When the pandemic ended in-person performances, Ailey dancers were among the earliest to appear online.
Now, Ailey Extension and AREA Atlanta present “Ailey Experience Destination Dance Atlanta.” This will be a virtual, multiday festival Feb. 19-21.
“City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Matthew Rushing, associate artistic director at Ailey, and Lisa Johnson-Willingham, director of Ailey Extension, about the festival.
“Mr. Ailey’s choreography is so accessible. It’s simple and profound at the same time. I really enjoy being able to teach such iconic work to people who may not have been studying as long as professional dancers, but there’s always still room for everyone in Mr. Ailey’s choreography. I’m anticipating having that exchange with the dancers,” Rushing said.
Official Schedule
Friday, Feb. 19
- 7 to 8 p.m.: Alvin Ailey Global Influence Panel with directors from the Ailey School, Ailey Camp and Ailey Extension
Saturday, Feb. 20
- 2 to 3 p.m.: Horton with Jeroboam Bozeman (Ages 8 to 12)
- 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.: Ailey Repertory with Courtney Celeste Spears (Ages 8 to 12)
- 3 to 4 p.m.: Horton with Yannick Lebrun (Ages 13+)
- 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.: Ailey Repertory with Belén Indhira Pereyra (Ages 13+)
- 6 to 7:15 p.m.: Open Modern Masterclass with Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing
Sunday, Feb. 21
- 2 to 3 p.m.: Contemporary with Christopher R. Wilson (Ages 8 to 12)
- 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.: Ailey Repertory with Solomon Dumas (Ages 8 to 12)
- 3 to 4 p.m.: Contemporary with Christopher R. Wilson (Ages 13+)
- 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.: Ailey Repertory with Solomon Dumas (Ages 13+)
- 6 to 7:15 p.m.: Open West African Family Masterclass with Maguette Camara
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