In anticipation of the upcoming Los Angeles engagement of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Music Center announced it will present RockaYourSoul: LA’s Celebration of Gospel, Dance and Ailey, a free, multi-dimensional cultural experience inspired by the heritage of the African American community.
The event will allow visitors of all ages to engage directly with dance, music and the arts. Alvin Ailey fans and novices alike will learn from Ailey teaching artists, and then join together in a grand participatory public celebration of Ailey’s seminal work, “Revelations.” In addition, visitors will also enjoy a range of other activities, including musical performances by some of Los Angeles’ renowned Gospel choirs, storytelling, as well as visual arts and singing workshops.
“‘Revelations’ celebrates the timeless and universal themes of determination, hope and transcendence, which makes it an amazing centerpiece for a community festival,” said Ng, director of programming for The Music Center. “Whether you like to dance, sing or create your own art, RockaYourSoul: LA’s Celebration of Gospel, Dance and Ailey will give you the opportunity to express your creativity in ways that rock your soul.”
Highly acclaimed Ailey teaching artists, including Renee Robinson, who was a member of the company for more than 30 years, and Nasha Thomas-Schmitt, master teacher and former Ailey principal dancer, will teach the distinctive movements of three of the most well-known pieces from “Revelations,” including “RockaMySoul,” “Wade in the Water” and “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel.” Capitalizing on the beauty of Grand Park’s historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain, “Wade in the Water” will be taught right in the water in the fountain’s splash pad.
The first-of-its-kind festival takes place on Saturday, April 6, 2013, from 1-5 p.m. on the event lawn at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles from Grand Avenue to Hill Street (blocks one and two of the park).
While the festival is free, guests must register to participate in both the quilt and fan-making workshops by visiting http://www.musiccenter.org/rocka. No experience is necessary and no registration required for the dance and singing workshops. Visitors will also enjoy food provided by a number of popular food trucks. For more information about the event, visit http://www.musiccenter.org/rocka or call (213) 972-7211.
