CAMBRIDGE April, 20, 1999 General Interactive, Inc. ("GII"), The E-mail Company, today announced that it has awarded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater the General Interactive 1999 Award For the Arts. GII selects winners twice a year in recognition of artists and performers who have made extraordinary contributions to humanity, culture and artistic achievement. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater holds performances throughout the world and will be performing at the Wang Center in Boston from Tuesday, April 20 through Sunday, April 25.

The General Interactive Arts Award was developed under the direction of Zoe Helene, chief creative officer of GII in 1996 and has provided support to several Boston area non-profit organizations including; Boston Ballet, Cambridge Multi-Cultural Art Center, Dance Umbrella, Handel & Haydn, Very Special Arts and World Music. This year's award was given in recognition and celebration of the contributions made by the late Alvin Ailey and his continued living legacy The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Currently in their 40th anniversary season, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be awarded a $150,000 advanced interactive web site design from GII. In 1998, GII awarded Alvin Ailey a $40,000 web site (www.alvinailey.org).

"We are proud to have the opportunity to further develop the Alvin Ailey web-site. It has been a pleasure to meet and work with this outstanding group of performing artists," says Ms. Helene. "Performing art tells the story of culture, humanity and evolution. We believe in helping artists and art organizations take advantage of the power of the Internet. Since 1996, we have quietly reached out to the Arts community and supported those who work to make the world a better place for all people".

"Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is thrilled to receive such an incredible award from General Interactive," says Sharon Luckman, executive director, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Foundation. "Alvin Ailey believed that dance is for everybody-it came from the people, and it should be given back to the people. General Interactive's support helps to keep Mr. Ailey's vision alive by bringing dance to new audiences through the Internet."

About Alvin Ailey
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater operates under the auspices of Dance Theater Foundation, Inc., which also supports the activities of the Alvin Ailey Dance Center the official school of the AAADT, and the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, the junior company of the AAADT. Together, these three components constitute a unique dance institution committed to quality repertory performances, arts-in-education activities and the finest professional dance training for all people, regardless of race, background or economic status. Since it was founded 40 years ago, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for more than 19 million people in 67 countries, helping to realize the late Ailey's belief that "dance is for everyone".

About General Interactive
General Interactive, Inc., ("GII") creates award-winning intelligent messaging and relationship marketing solutions. President and founder, V.A. Shiva, known throughout the industry as Dr. E-Mail, pioneered the early development of E-Mail technology and intelligent messaging solutions. Primary markets include customer-focused enterprises such as electronic commerce, high-technology, financial services, retail and the entertainment industry. Their professional services division is dedicated to creating state-of-the-art interactive designs and thematic concepts. Multi-media e-mail campaigns, 2D and 3D animation, banner advertisements and educational programs are standard offerings.

For more information about General Interactive, visit the company's World Wide Web site at http://www.interactive.com or contact Jane B. Welch, Director of Corporate Communications, 66 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138; phone (617) 354-8585, ext. 215; email: Press@EchoMail.com.