Written by | Ray Cornelius
The Ailey Circle Atlanta hosted an exclusive reception for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Artistic Director, Robert Battle, on Wednesday night at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum. The invitation-only affair was held in advanced of the Company’s Fox Theatre five-day engagement beginning February 11, 2015.
Camille Russell Love
Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Executive Director, Camille Russell Love, brought greetings on behalf of the city and introduced Mr. Battle to the esteemed attendees. Battle is not only a former Ailey choreographer but the founder of BattleWorks Dance Company. He talked to the audience about his new position and referenced a quote from former Ailey director, Judith Jamison, who would often say: “As director, I don’t feel like I am stepping into [Alvin] Ailey’s shoes as much as I am standing on his shoulders.”
Robert Battle
Battle also announced a few of the performances that will take place during the Atlanta run including the highly-anticipated debut of “Odetta” (a tribute to civil rights musical icon, Odetta) as well as the Alvin Ailey-Duke Ellington collaboration, “Night Creatures” and the American classic, “Revelations.
Hope Boykin, Doug Shipman, Robert Battle, Monica Tookes and Judith Service Montier
Battle later dedicated a piece of art work to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum, for its new found partnership with the Company. Ailey Circle Atlanta member and world-renowned artist, Monica Tookes,created the beautiful piece just hours before for the reception during a children’s dance workshop conducted by Ailey dancer, Hope Boykin. The painting was graciously accepted by the museum’s CEO, Doug Shipman and VP of Marketing, Judith Service Montier.
Check out photos below from the reception and a sneak peek of “Odetta”:
Edelman’s Loren Clifford with Ciara Moraski
Camille Russell Love talking about her appreciation for Ailey and showing off a few dance moves
Robert Battle talking about his journey as the new Artistic Director of Ailey
Robert Battle dedicating art work to National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum
Robert Battle thanking artist Monica Tookes
Artist Monica Tookes with Doug Shipman and Judith Service Montier
Monica Tookes and Ailey dancer Hope Boykin
Robert Battle with PR mavens Diane Larche & Margaret Kargbo along with Hope Boykin
Theo Tyson & guest/Lillie Mae & guest
WSB TV Anchor and Atlanta engagement host, Jovita Moore with Robert Battle
The Burton Wire’s Christopher A. Daniels with Margaret Kargbo and Audrey M. Johnson
CEO for National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum, Doug Shipman with Monica Tookes
UNCF’s Imara Canady (left) and guests
Ray Cornelius with Thomas Harrison & Darius McNair/Margaret Kargbo holding Ailey Bag 2015
Ailey’s Director of Public Relations, Christopher Zunner and Ailey Circle Member, Lori A. Manns
Ray Cornelius with Hope Boykin
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com