Ailey Moves NYC! – FREE on August 3 at Bryant Park Picnic Performances

Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America season of free, live performances continues Thursday, August 3 with a performance from Ailey II, the celebrated second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as an Ailey Extension West African dance class. This event is part of Ailey Moves NYC!, a summer celebration of dance featuring free activities for all ages across the five boroughs including performances by the rising stars of Ailey II, as well as dance classes and workshops led by The Ailey School, Ailey’s Arts In Education and Ailey Extension teachers and musicians.

Dance in Bryant Park with Ailey! Immerse yourself in West African music and culture with Maguette Camara and join Ailey Extension for a West African dance class featuring live drumming. This class is open to people of all ages and all levels of dance experience. Everyone can dance with Ailey!

Comprised of the most promising early-career dance talent in the country, Ailey II, led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, is renowned for its electrifying performances, rigorous touring schedule, and community programs. In celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary, Ailey II will perform a dynamic repertory featuring the incredible energy of an excerpt of William Forsythe’s Enemy in the Figure, an excerpt from Alvin Ailey’s lyrical ballet The Lark Ascending, Robert Battle’s percussive Takademe, and Harper’s galactical Freedom Series.

Ailey’s West African dance class will begin at 6 pm, and their performance will be at 7 pm.

Attendees to Bryant Park Picnic Performances may bring their own food or purchase from on-site food and beverage vendors near the Lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs with a rotating line-up of local artisanal vendors curated by Hester Street Fair. Stout NYC offers giant pretzels, gourmet popcorn and other light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

Visit bryantpark.org to learn more.