About Ailey

AAADT in Alvin Ailey's Revelations
Please Credit Photo: AAADT in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Paul Kolnik
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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

Artistic Director Robert Battle Announces Exciting Highlights to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Lincoln Center Season June 13-17, 2018

New York – May 17, 2018 – Artistic Director Robert Battle has announced exciting highlights to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Lincoln Center season at the David H. Koch Theater June 13 – 17. In addition to three diverse programs – Celebrate Women, with a world premiere by Jessica Lang, Ailey, Then & Now, and Musical Icons – the engagement also includes The Ailey Spirit Gala benefit; three new Company dancers; and a series of activities for all as Ailey enters its sixth decade.

The Ailey Spirit Gala Benefit Performance & Party at Lincoln Center Supports Scholarships and Arts In Education Programs, Thursday, June 14 at 7pm

(NEW YORK, NY) May 14, 2018 – The centerpiece of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Lincoln Center engagement is The Ailey Spirit Gala on Thursday, June 14. This one-night-only benefit performance and party honors Jaishri Kapoor and Vikas Kapoor for their remarkable support of the Ailey organization, their dedication to Ailey’s educational initiatives, and Jaishri’s leadership as an Ailey Trustee. The evening’s Honorary Chair is actor, singer, and activist Jussie Smollett, who stars on Fox’s Empire and recently released his debut album, Sum of My Music.

Learn International Dance Styles and Rhythms at Ailey Extension’s World Dance Celebration

(New York) April 5, 2018 — Dance lovers of all experience levels are invited to learn traditional dance styles and rhythms from around the globe at Ailey’s annual World Dance Celebration. This popular eight-week workshop series – beginning on Saturday, April 21 and culminating with on stage performances – combines folkloric dance styles and live accompaniment native to Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East into a “life-affirming celebration” (W42St magazine).

Featured Press Coverage

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WRDW - Local dancer makes it to the Big Apple from the Garden City

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- He was picked on for perfecting a pirouette rather than his crossover, but that didn't stop Christopher R. Wilson from chasing his dreams. Christopher's dreams has lead him from the Garden City to the Big Apple. "Dancing is a full time job. Just like how anyone goes to work 9-5. We dance," he says. This year, he will be joining the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Fulfilling a lifelong dream at age 22.

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WBGO - Ailey Dancer Jamar Roberts Premiers New Piece at NJPAC

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer and choreographer Jamar Roberts talks about his love for choreography, working with Ailey dancers, and the inspiration for his new piece, Members Don't Get Weary, premiering at the company's 20th annual Mother's Day Engagement at NJPAC.

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San Francisco Chronicle - Berkeley is a home on the road for Ailey

Seen once, the opening moments of Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations” are forever imprinted on a viewer’s inner eye. Arrayed in tight formation, the dancers bend one way and then the other, arms outstretched in solemn body harmony with the spiritual “I Been ’Buked.” Then, like a flock of birds poised to take flight, they simultaneously knee-bend toward the floor and wing-span their arched arms in one of the signature images of American dance. It never fails to send a collective shiver out across the footlights.