New York’s annual flamenco celebration, now in its 9^th year, features mesmerizing performances with renowned dancers and musicians direct from Andalusia, Spain. This weekend see the Antonio Gades Company and Los Farruco light up the stage at City Center.

Antonio Gades Company

Carmen

The acclaimed Antonio Gades Company, established to perform the great dancer/choreographer’s masterpieces, will present a powerful re-staging of Gades’ classic Carmen. The show, which began life as Carlos Saura’s award-winning film, is touring around the world in commemoration of its 25th anniversary. Carmen stars the earthy and sensuous Stella Arauzo, who appeared in many of Gades’ productions, and the formidable Adrian Galia, who has worked with many celebrated companies and artists, including the National Ballet of Spain, Cristina Hoyos, and Enrique Morente.

Los Farruco

Los Farruco – the first family of flamenco dance – is a famous flamenco dynasty known for its electrifying performances of Spanish Gypsy art. Conceived and directed by Farruquito, grandson of the legendary patriarch El Farruco, this program features La Farruca, daughter of El Farruco, noted for her passionate dancing; her son, Farruco, a rising star in flamenco known for his remarkable footwork; La Faraona, dubbed “the mother of buleria” by her father El Farruco; Barullo, grandson of El Farruco, who maintains the elegance of traditional flamenco dance; two guitarists; and three singers.

Also check out the Andalicia Lounge:

About 90 minutes before the show there is a special free pre-concert dance class for City Center ticket holders only in the mezzanine lobby at City Center. Tapas and Spanish wine will be available at the concession stands.

New York City Center

131 W. 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, NYC

$35, $45, $65, $80

The History

On March 30, 1958 in New York City, Alvin Ailey led a group of young African-American modern dancers in a performance that forever changed the perception of American dance. Although he created some 79 ballets during his lifetime, he was also a pioneer in establishing a multi-racial repertory company that presented important American dance works from the past as well as new works.

Today, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to celebrate the African-American cultural experience and to preserve and enrich the American modern dance tradition. Regarded as one of the world’s premier modern dance companies, it is declared by the New York Times as a phenomenal popularity that is unmatched by any other company. The Ailey legacy continues to flourish using the universal language of dance as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present and fearlessly reaching into the future.

Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at 50

With the knowledge of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company history and how it all began, the dynamic dance company presents an array of must see performances for their 50^th anniversary gala. I had the privilege of attending one of their performances and it was nothing short of spectacular. Every night there is a different segment the company presents on stage and the one I went to was wonderful. I will admit the first sequence was not my favorite but the following sequences of dances and themes were very mesmerizing.

From the beautiful photographs and only watching their performances on DVD or television specials, seeing the Alvin Ailey Dance Company on stage was everything I had expected and much more. There is a reason why this dance company is the most well known and successful modern dance company in the nation and worldwide. Each piece is very innovative and presented with such eloquence, I want to go back for more and see what their other performances of the 50^th anniversary gala have to showcase. If you do happen to go to a performance that includes “Suite Otis”, you are in for a fun treat. That was my favorite sequence to watch. Definitely take the time out to celebrate what makes Alvin Ailey Dance Theater so well known and worth watching. Here’s to another 50 years at the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and many more successful programs and performances to come.

FALL FOR DANCE FESTIVAL

City Center Main Stage

Sep 17-27, 2008

All Tickets $10

For ten exhilarating days each year, feel the rush…the exuberance…the sheer joy that is dance, from New York City, across the country, and around the globe! Experience the world-famous alongside the cutting-edge, treasured favorites surrounded by undiscovered gems. Multiple companies appear in each performance, offering audiences a sampling of the best that dance has to offer – from hip hop to ballet, tango to tap, and so much more. So bring your family, grab your friends, join us and fall in love…Fall for Dance!

More Ways To Fall For Dance

The Official Festival Lounge

Admission is FREE and all are welcome!

Once a year during the Fall for Dance Festival, the public atrium between 55th and 56th Streets (immediately west of the theater's main entrance) is transformed into a vibrant gathering place for audience members and artists.

Dine, drink and dance all night long at Lounge FFD, open before, during and after each Fall for Dance performance!

$2 Drinks – Michelob Ultra, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Stella Artois, Bacardi Silver Mojitos and Pine Ridge Merlot & Chardonnay.

DJs keep the party going while a video feed from the stage lets you follow Festival performances live.

West 55th street between 6th & 7th Avenues

Lounge hours: 8pm perf. 6:30pm - 11:30pm, 3pm perf. 1:30pm-6pm

This year Lounge FFD is partnering with Creative Edge Parties, hailed by The New York Post as “The Caterer of the Moment!”

Creative Edge Parties brings you a delicious meal at a fantastic price before, after and during every Festival performance. Whether you’re an audience member or just passing through, Lounge FFD is a great place to share a yummy dinner with friends, or grab a scrumptious dessert!

DJs keep the party going all night long! DJs curated by HipsterTravel.com

Wed. 9/17 DJ SHAKEY

Thu. 9/18 MIKE DEXTRO

Fri. 9/19 DJ CAPTAIN HEARTLOCK

Sat. 9/20 DJ SKINTIGHT

Sun. 9/21 DJ REKLES

Tues. 9/23 DJ XEROX

Wed. 9/24 DJ JESS

Thu. 9/25 DJ LUPE LOOP

Fri. 9/26 TOM WARD

Sat. 9/27 PATRIK PHALEN

Dance Lessons

Take a Free, pre-show dance lesson in the Lounge!

Lessons are 1 hour