The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa for another electrifying performance from March 27 – 30.  With an unparalleled display of passion, strength and athletic ability, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) is one of the most celebrated and acclaimed performing arts groups today.

Before the regular performances begin, there are several events to kick-off AAADT’s time at Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA).  On Saturday, March 22 AAADT will give a free public performance called the Revelations Celebration on the Arts Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from 12 – 3pm.  Along with the AAADT, the Revelations Celebration will also showcase musical acts, a visual art demonstration, the “imagination playground,” street mural chalk drawing and food trucks.

Master Teacher and former AAADT principal dancer Nasha Thomas-Schmitt will be at Segerstrom Center for the Arts to teach three of the company’s most popular works.  In true Segerstrom Center for the Arts fashion, Thomas-Schmitt will be educating local Southern California middle school students prior to the main performance with a weeklong residency.  The students who take part in the residency will attend the performance on March 28, many of which will experience the thrill of live dance for the first time, as part of SCFTA’s bus-in program.

The AAADT shows at SCFTA will also be a homecoming of sorts for Matthew Rushing, an award-winning dancer and current rehearsal director for Ailey. Rushing was born and raised in Southern California and began his dance career in Los Angeles.  Rushing joined the company in 1992 and has held many impressive audiences, including four United States presidents.  With numerous international performances and several world-renowned theaters as his stage, Rushing is certain to dazzle audience members at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Come out to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for the free public performance, or get your tickets to see the full program in Segerstrom Hall.  Whether you’re a dancer, dance lover, or have never seen a live dance performance, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is guaranteed to inspire.

We want to hear about what you think about the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on social media.  Use the hashtag #SCFTA when posting to join in on the conversation.  The AAADT has been an international ambassador for American performing arts, which makes its program a perfect fit at The Center in the City of the Arts, Costa Mesa.