Ray Cornelius hosts Ailey Cirlce Atlanta Dessert & Wine Reception [PHOTOS & VIDEO]

adminFebruary 4, 2015

Written by | Ray Cornelius

I had the pleasure of hosting my first Ailey Circle Atlanta event on Monday night with my friend and Ailey Circle member, Thomas Harrison. As you know, Ailey Circle Atlanta is an elite group of business professionals and arts patrons who help drive awareness and create excitement for Ailey’s upcoming Atlanta engagement performance at the Fox Theatre.

Ray Cornelius bringing greetings

The event took place at the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Decatur and was attended by a number of the city’s tastemakers and influencers. Harrison, who is Director of Sales for the Hotel, co-hosted the event with me and provided attendees with complimentary hors-d’oeuvres and wine along with a decadent dessert bar.

Thomas Harrison with client

Attendees also enjoyed three video presentations from Ailey’s upcoming Atlanta performance as well as an exclusive interview I conducted with former Ailey dance student turned actress Lisa Arrindell Anderson. In the video, Anderson talks about her awesome experience as a child attending the Ailey Dance School and how it helped her transition into theater. The evening also featured a number of giveaways including hotel stays in Florida, dinner and tickets to Ailey’s Fan Appreciation Night and the coveted Ailey swag bag.

Prize winner A. Raquel

Ailey’s 2015 season is celebrating the music of civil rights pioneer Odetta, with a world premiere dance performance simply titled, “Odetta.” The theatrical number was choreographed by Ailey’s Matthew Rushing and features signature dancer, Hope Bryant in the title role. The tour also includes the Ailey/Duke Ellington classic, “Night Creatures,” Robert Battle’s infectious “Takademe” and the Ailey masterpiece, “Revelations.”

Check out a few photos from the event below and as well as my video with Lisa Arrindell Anderson: