As part of the “Ailey Ascending” 60th anniversary celebration of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the company will present two weekends of festival programming called Choreography Unlocked.

The festival, which includes programming October 12–14 and 26–28, is an expansion of the company’s New Directions Choreography Lab, which aims to encourage dialogue and expand access to dance. The two weekends will include panels, performances, and master choreography workshops.

Highlights of the upcoming weekends include a conversation with Artistic Director Robert Battle “Unlocking the Mystery of Choreography” on October 12, as well as a performance later that evening by Once On This Island choreographer Camille A. Brown, Netta Yerushalmy, and Juel D. Lane. Battle will also lead a master class workshop October 14.

A free event takes place October 27: a panel discussion on “Process and Research” in choreography. Judy Hussie Taylor, executive director for Danspace Project, moderates a conversation with choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Ailey rehearsal director and guest artist Matthew Rushing, dance writer and Gibney Dance Curatorial Director Eva Yaa Asantewaa, and dancer/choreographer Diane McIntyre about the role research plays in the making of dance and in the performing arts.

For a full listing of public events, click here.

Tickets for events start at $10. Student discounts are available with valid ID.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s New York City Center season plays November 28–December 30.