The Ailey Organization

Featured News Releases

Portrait Of Ailey, A New Eight-Part Documentary Series Available For Free On PBS LearningMedia

NEW YORK – February 29, 2024 – The compelling story of the life, work, and legacy of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey, founder of the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, is the subject of Portrait of Ailey, a new eight-part documentary series premiering in February 2024, during Black History Month, and rolling out through September on PBS LearningMedia, a free website with thousands of classroom-ready resources for preK-12 teachers. The series was created by Sylvia Waters, director emerita of the Ailey II company, with archivist Dominique Singer and adapted for use on PBS LearningMedia by The WNET Group’s Kids’ Media & Education team. Portrait of Ailey uses rare historical film and still images as well as contemporary footage to create a sweeping narrative of Mr. Ailey as a performer, choreographer, celebrity, teacher, social activist, arts advocate, and creator of an enduring institution that is currently celebrating its 65th anniversary.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 65th Anniversary Opening Night Gala Performance and Party Honors Beloved Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison Wednesday, November 29 at 7pm

NEW YORK – Updated November 21, 2023 —On the heels of a successful international tour, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off its 65th anniversary season at New York City Center on November 29 with an Opening Night Gala honoring beloved trailblazer and iconic Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison in her 80th year. The celebration pays tribute to her legendary career as a groundbreaking dancer, choreographer, and visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on Ailey, the greater dance community, and American culture. The evening’s Honorary Chairs are Tony®, Emmy®, and GRAMMY® Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress, singer, author, and producer Cynthia Erivo and 3x Emmy® Award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View” and 2x New York Times best-selling author Sunny Hostin.

Ailey Moves NYC! Free Summer Dance Celebration Returns To Deliver Dance To The People In All Five Boroughs July 31 - August 5, 2023

New York, NY, June 29, 2023—Embracing people everywhere in the city that is its home, the Ailey organization will once again offer Ailey Moves NYC!, presenting six days of free performances, dance classes, and workshops throughout the city’s five boroughs. Presented for the second year, this summer dance celebration takes place July 31-August 5, featuring performances by the rising stars of Ailey II, as well as classes and workshops led by highly regarded teaching artists from The Ailey School’s renowned training programs, Ailey Extension’s dance and fitness classes for the general public, and Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs, which fulfill Alvin Ailey’s belief that “dance is for everybody.”

Featured Press Coverage

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Town & Country - A Night of Movement and Meaning

Inside Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2022 gala. On November 30, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrated the opening of its holiday season with a gala performance at New York City Center.