New Arts Bridge Program Brings Ailey Trio to Starlight
One of the first events of Starlight’s new Arts Bridge program was a free performance by the Ailey Trio on January 10, 2024. Three dancers with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) brought their talent to Starlight to introduce Alvin Ailey’s vision and legacy to students, supporters, and community members.
The Ailey Trio was established in 1993 by the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA) as a key component of its arts education programming and has been replicated across the country. The presentation was a unique opportunity for students, supporters, and community members to not only see excerpts of their current repertory, it was also an engaging, interactive experience, giving the audience a glimpse into the life of a professional dancer.
Building an Arts Bridge
One of the goals of Starlight’s Uniquely KC capital campaign is to create an Arts Bridge program that will leverage the power of the arts for community building in Kansas City.
“The Arts Bridge program is rooted in partnership and collaboration,” said Alex Jones, Vice President of Community Engagement at Starlight. “By working alongside important organizations like Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Starlight creates opportunities for community connections and leans into its identity as a civic asset.”
Through collaboration with arts and non-arts organizations, these partnerships will activate Starlight’s historic facilities for a variety of engagements, including community events, performances, town halls, festivals, symposiums, and more.
Having world-class performers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancing on the Starlight stage alongside people of all ages from this community was extraordinary.”
Alex Jones Vice President of Community Engagement at Starlight
More About Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
The mission of KCFAA is making dance accessible to all people by presenting the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, teaching young people critical life skills through dance, and modeling interracial and multi-cultural community partnerships.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents – as well as millions more through television, film, and online platforms – promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. For more information, visit www.alvinailey.org.