The Children's Trust, in conjunction with the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theater, in coming weeks will launch a county-wide search for talented youth ages 8-17 years to compete in categories of singing, dance, spoken word, and individual and group musical performance. Auditions for "Young Talent, Big Dreams" begin Sept. 11 and will be held at various locations around the county (six auditions in total) over a series of months. Competition prizes remain a secret, but plans include fully produced audition tapes for winners and a host of arts and attraction prizes. Providers - tell your children and youth to visit Young Talent Big Dreams for details and contest rules.   

Now, there's another reason to see the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Arsht, May 20 - May 23. Liberty City native and New World School of the Arts alum Robert Battle has been named the next artistic director of the famed dance ensemble. How cool is that?

Battle follows in the footsteps of the Judith Jamison who becomes artistic director emerita when the transition is complete.

Here's Battle's bio from the Ailey site:

Congratulations, Mr. Battle! What a tremendous accomplishment. 

Related Links:

Move Over, Chad Ochocinco, Robert Battle Is Liberty City's Best Dancer

Robert Battle talks of next steps for Ailey dance troupe

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Photo: Andrea Mohin 

Help raise funds for scholarships for young people in the community, get some exercise and have fun. Don't miss this workshop on March 27th at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. 

STYLISTIC STEPPERS, LLC  Steppin' Outside the Box, Steppin' Out on Faith! Transforming lives through dance   Instructing you in Chicago Style Steppin'     An R & B form of Ballroom Dancing! Official Company Logo("Swept Away") by the World Renown Artist WAK! visit wak-art.com

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE 2010 LITTLE MISS FASHIONETTA, (A Scholarship Fund Raiser)  SPONSORED BY THE  PI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER  OF  ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC PRESENTS    PARTICIPANT KIRBY LYNN GILMORE IN CONJUNCTION WITH  THE STYLISTIC STEPPERS   eA STEPPERS' DANCE WORKSHOP  f Saturday, MARCH 27, 2010 AT THE AFRICAN HERITAGE CULTURAL CENTER 6161 NW 22 AVE MIAMI, FL   10:30AM - 12:30 PM e FREE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AVAILABLE. f Contacts:PHYLLIS TYLER1-305-481-8551  OR    TIFFANY WILLIS - GILMORE 786-268-9673 Tickets Currently On Sale    Price $20.00      Follow Blogging Black Miami on Twitter!

Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus will present its On Stage Concert Series beginning Oct. 6 through Dec. 11, 2009. All performances will be held at the Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., in Kendall, unless otherwise indicated. Held every fall, the concert series combines the talents of students and faculty from the College’s music, theater and dance department.

One of this year’s most notable performances is a tribute to dancing legend Katherine Dunham, performed by faculty, students, and a guest artist. Other highlights during the concert series include theatrical presentations including a stage play, spoken word, and a comedy/poetry show; gospel and instrumental jazz performances, and more.

All On Stage Concert Series performances are free and open to the public. However, the dance concerts require a $5 admission fee.

For a complete listing of this season’s On Stage Concert Series, visit http://www.mdc.edu/Kendall/mtd/MTD_On_Stage_performances.asp, or call 305-237-2282.  

RATTLER MEETUP, Fri., 9/11, 5 PM, LEGENDS Lounge, El Palacio, NW 214th St & 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, 2 for 1 Drinks 5 - 7

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ALVIN AILEY® AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY AT ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER

Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House Welcomes

Trailblazing Company for Inspiring and Historic Performances

  APRIL 16 – 19, 2009

8:00PM EVENING PERFORMANCES, 2:00PM MATINEE PERFORMANCES

TICKETS: $20 - $120

MIAMI, FL March 6, 2009 – Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County proudly co-presents Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater's 50^th Anniversary celebration during their historic visit to the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House from April 16 – 19, 2009.  The world-renowned dance company has embarked on a 50-city global tour to share with audiences the beauty, power, and passion that are Ailey hallmarks.

Having performed in 71 countries across six continents, Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater is the most-traveled dance company in the world and was recently recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World."  A universal beacon of inspiration over the last five decades, the Company uplifts and enlightens audiences in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. 

"Each time the curtain goes up, Alvin Ailey's genius and humanity touches  hearts and minds through dance that expresses life's joys, sorrows and ultimate truths," expressed Artistic Director Judith Jamison.  "During our golden anniversary, I am so proud to share with South Florida audiences his pioneering vision that continues to shine brightly in the brilliant artistry of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater."

The Ailey Company's 31 extraordinary dancers, including Miami natives Amos J. Machanic, Jr., Jamar Roberts and Yusha-Marie Sorzano, will perform exciting premieres, new productions and revered classics including: Alvin Ailey's Blues Suite, first seen at the Company's premiere performance in 1958; Anniversary Highlights, a new program with excerpts of 12 ballets; Festa Barocca, a world premiere featuring the entire company; and Suite Otis, Tony-winner George Faison's tribute to Otis Redding.  All performances will conclude with the legendary Revelations and open with Alvin Ailey ® American Dance Theater at 50 – a Golden Anniversary Celebration, a short film commemorating the Company's rich history.