About Ailey

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” has performed for over 23 million people in 48 states and in 71 countries on 6 continents, celebrating the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. Ailey’s permanent home is The Joan Weill Center for Dance, the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City,  the dance capital of the world.

The Ailey Organization includes: Ailey II (a second performing company of young dancers and emerging choreographers), The Ailey School (one of the world's most extensive dance training programs), Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs (which bring dance into classrooms and communities), and Ailey Extension (offering dance and fitness classes to the public). 

Featured News Releases

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Celebrates Six Decades During 20th Annual Washington, D.C. Opening Night Gala Benefit At The John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts - Tuesday, February 5

(Washington, D.C.) January 15, 2019 – On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 20th Annual Washington, D.C. Opening Night Gala Benefit kicks off the opening of the renowned Company’s engagement at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Following the 7pm opening program on the Opera House Stage – featuring Rennie Harris’ powerful Lazarus and Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations – Artistic Director Robert Battle will lead dinner and dancing on the Terrace Level of the Kennedy Center in celebration of Ailey’s 60th Anniversary.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 60th Anniversary Celebration Comes To Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre During Black History Month February 21-24

ATLANTA – January 11, 2019 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre, February 21 – 24, 2019 during its 60th Anniversary North American tour for six breathtaking performances that promise to uplift, unite and enlighten. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s 32 incomparable dancers invite Atlantans to join in a celebration of Mr. Ailey through a variety of works celebrating his life and legacy.

Ailey Icons Host Exclusive Workshops And Panels In Celebration Of 60th Anniversary

(New York) December 6, 2018 – In celebration of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 60th Anniversary, Ailey Extension invites people to experience the life, legacy, and artistry of Alvin Ailey through intimate panels and workshops led by his illustrious former dancers. Sylvia Waters will moderate the Growing Up with Alvin Ailey Legacy Panel on December 10, featuring former Ailey stars Sarita Allen, Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish, and Desmond Richardson as they share personal stories, individual experiences, and life lessons learned during their tenure dancing for the legendary founder. On January 5, what would have been Alvin Ailey’s 88th birthday, Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison leads an exclusive Celebrating Alvin Ailey Workshop to share cherished memories of Mr. Ailey and teach some of his most well-known choreography.

Featured Press Coverage

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The New York Times - The Passionate Humility of Solomon Dumas

A dancer isn’t always born a dancer. Sometimes a mother has to step in. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago with his single working mother, Solomon Dumas was involved in community theater and interested in the arts. But dance wasn’t much of a presence in his life until his mother signed him up for AileyCamp, when he was 12.

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ABC Nightline - The Legacy Of Alvin Ailey, Celebrating The Company's 60th Anniversary

In 1958, dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey created a home for dancers to explore identity and self-expression through their art and the dance theater remains a culture institution. ABC's Zachary Kiesch goes behind the scenes of Ailey's 60th and the creation of Lazarus, the Company's first ever two act ballet by hip hop choreographer Rennie Harris.