Alvin Ailey Takes NYC!

{AAADT's Alicia Graf Mack. Photo via.}

Meet Alicia Graf Mack. She's awesome. Not only because her body bends, twists, and defies the laws of gravity beautifully, gracefully, and artistically, but also because she's kind, sweet, and a fellow Columbia University alumnae. (CU, stand up!) During my sophomore year of college, I had the opportunity to meet her, get to know her a bit, dance with her, and perform with her. It was a truly memorable experience.

Fast forward 7-8 years and she's hanging out on the side of NYC buses, on the walls of subway platforms and all over the Internet in Alvin Ailey ads. Talk about finding your passion in life, setting a goal, and working hard to see it come to fruition. It's all kinds of inspiring and it quite literally gives me shivers and that you-can-do-anything-you-put-your-mind-to feeling.

I'm proud. And encouraged.

{Artistic Director Robert Battle with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Photo via.}

But I'm also super happy and giddy that it's that time of year again. With Artistic Director Robert Battle, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater season has begun here in NYC and it is quite literally a "must-see." I've seen the company perform so many times and it never gets old. Ever. I always leave the performances feeling rejuvenated and uplifted. It's part of the reason that the Holiday season is such a magical one for me.

This year, I'm particularly excited to share the experience with Aiden.We're heading to a Family Matinee performance this weekend and I can't wait. The performance, as all the performances in the Family Matinee series (Saturdays in December at 2pm), will be followed by a question-and-answer session with Ailey's amazing dancers.

{Revelations by AAADT. Photo via.}

{Revelations by AAADT. Photo via.}

And, of course, I'm excited about the finale in the Family Matinee program -- the timeless Revelations! (If you don't know about it, get thee to the website. Stat!) Not only is it a well-known and loved ballet, but it happens to be one of my favorites. The dancing and the spirit and soul of the ballet is pure beauty. And brilliance. The traditional gospel spirituals sends good vibes and gets me in a good mood. All. The. Time. (See why I think it's so magical?)

I'm so excited! (Oh, wait... I said that already.)

Tickets start as low as $25 and can be purchased at the New York City Center Box Office (212.581.1212) or on the Alvin Ailey website. (You're welcome!)

Stay tuned for an updated post and my review of the show!

{Disclaimer: I was provided with tickets to an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance in order to facilitate this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}