The Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), with Allstate and HCA/TriStar, present the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for two performances, May 13-14, in TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall.

Hailed by The New YorkTimes as “rich with fine performers these days, both established and rising stars,” the internationally famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater tells stories, giving life to national culture and history with astonishing energy, artistry and power. Blending familiar music (jazz, blues, spirituals and even some songs by Stevie Wonder) with different styles of dance, the work is universal in its appeal to audiences of all ages, gender and background. Both evenings at TPAC will close with Ailey’s signature “Revelations,” set to 10 spirituals.

“Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of those performances that everyone absolutely should see in their lifetime,” said TPAC President Kathleen O’Brien. “The company produces some of the most breathtaking, awe inspiring, impressive - and even seemingly impossible - dance I have ever witnessed. Their work is accessible, offering a visual feast for audiences of all types and ages. And I’m pleased to say that through a special underwriting opportunity, TPAC is providing a limited number of deeply discounted tickets so that companies have the chance to send children to experience this performance - children who may otherwise never get to see them. TPAC is very passionate about exposing all audiences to performing arts, and thanks to community support, we’re bringing some of the very best in the world to Nashville. We are truly grateful to Allstate, HCA/TriStar, Cummins Filtration, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, Bank of Nashville and Sheats Endodontics for providing the corporate support necessary to bring in this highly acclaimed dance company.”

Underwriting opportunities exist for companies who wish to purchase tickets at a discounted rate for children served by local non-profit organizations in the community. Blocks of 10 tickets are available; ticket availability is limited to the Wednesday, May 14, performance. Underwriters may designate to an organization of their choice or work with TPAC that has identified organizations with interest in coordinating groups to attend the performance. For more information, please call 615-687-4292.

The TPAC performances are part of a 50th Anniversary Celebration, which began nationwide at the end of March, with 18 months of special public performances, commercial partnerships, events and projects.

Nashville native Courtney Brené Corbin is a current member of AAADT and will perform both nights. Moving with her family to Nashville as a child, Corbin attended St. Vincent Catholic Church and Christ the King School, graduated from Father Ryan High School and studied with Nashville Ballet (dancing at TPAC in The Nutcracker). In 2004, she graduated from the Ailey-Fordham University BFA Program in Dance. She was a member of Ailey II. In 2005, she became the first graduate of that unique collaboration with Fordham to become a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Corbin’s performances with the Ailey company have attracted special notice in favorable reviews worldwide, from “stylish and charming” in the New York Times and “particularly outstanding” in the South China Morning Post to “brought down the house” in the Orange County Register.

Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1958, AAADT’s inspiring performances honor and enrich the African American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition, uniting people of all backgrounds in a celebration of the human spirit through the universal language of dance.

“Dance comes from the people and it should always be delivered back to the people,” said Ailey, a mission that continues to guide the company under artistic director Judith Jamison, who attended Fisk University before attaining a degree in dance at Philadelphia Dance Academy. Over three decades, AAADT—arguably the best known and most successful American dance company in the world—has performed for more than 21 million people in 71 nations.

Tickets for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater range from $30-65, depending on seat location. For tickets, visit www.tpac.org/alvinailey, the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills), or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 615-255-ARTS (2787). Group discounts for 20 or more are available by calling 615-782-4060.

Gold Circle tickets are available for $125 each for the Tuesday, May 13, performance, which include the best available orchestra seats and a post-show party with the company. These tickets are available by calling 614-782-4004.

Performance dates and times:
May 13 and 14, 8:00 p.m.
Andrew Jackson Hall at TPAC
505 Deaderick Street, Nashville