About Ailey

Ailey Moves NYC!
Please Credit Photo: Ailey Moves NYC! Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Jeroboam Bozeman. Photo by Andrew Eccles
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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 25 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 2023 North American Tour Kicks Off During Black History Month and Reaches 22 Cities From February 3 - May 14

NEW YORK – JANUARY 25, 2023 – After an acclaimed four-week holiday season in New York, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies, will continue to grace stages from coast-to-coast during a 22-city North American tour starting February 3 in Toronto, Ontario during Black History Month. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, the passionate spirit and extraordinary technique of Ailey’s dancers will be showcased in a diverse repertory of new works, repertory favorites and Ailey classics. On February 7, a week-long engagement at The Kennedy Center launches with the annual Washington, D.C. Gala Benefit to support Ailey's D.C. programs, including the creation of new works, Arts-In-Education activities, and scholarships to talented young area dancers to attend The Ailey School in New York. Other stops on the 22-city tour include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Detroit, culminating with a Mother’s Day performance in Newark on May 14.

Ailey II, The Next Generation Of Dance, Sets Out On U.S. Tour Led By Francesca Harper In Her Second Season As Artistic Director

NEW YORK – UPDATED January 18, 2023 — Ailey II, the next generation of dance, will embark on a 22-city United States tour October 7 - February 25 stretching from Miami, Florida to South Bend, Indiana to Tacoma, Washington. Following the tour, the renowned ensemble of 12 rising stars will return home for an annual New York season at The Ailey Citigroup Theater March 22 – April 2, 2023.

AileyCamp Launches in Partnership with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta to Inspire and Transform Area Students Among 10 Cities Nationwide

ATLANTA – January 10, 2023 – AileyCamp, the nationally acclaimed summer program that uses dance as a means to stretch the minds, bodies, and spirits of middle-school students, is coming to Atlanta this summer from June 5 – July 14 at Luther J. Price Middle School in partnership with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta. The six-week, full scholarship program helps students ages 11-14 reach their full potential with classes in dance, personal development, creative communications, and inspiring daily affirmations. Founded by Alvin Ailey and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey in 1989, AileyCamp develops self-esteem, self-discipline, creative expression, critical-thinking and goal-setting skills in a supportive environment.

Featured Press Coverage

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Women's Health - Form & Function

Mayeux's locs (styled here in Bantu knots) work for her go-go-go schedule. "We change our style many times for different ballets and characters, and it's easy to put my hair up and go when I only have 15 minutes to switch looks," she says.

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CBS 2 News - Alvin Ailey Dance Theater's Holiday Engagement Returns, with Bronx Dancer Khalia Campbell in Featured Role

NEW YORK -- The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's holiday engagement is now underway at New York City Center. From now until Dec. 24, you can catch 10 works created by founder Alvin Ailey. But a new piece called "Busk" choreographed by Aszure Barton includes a Bronx native in a featured role. Featured dancer Khalia Campbell joined CBS2 to discuss the show and her passion for dance.

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The New York Times - Spotlight Gets Brighter For An Ailey Dancer

During a recent free hour after her morning class, before afternoon rehearsals and an evening performance, the dancer Jacquelin Harris was brushing up on some familiar material. It was the third day of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s season at New York City Center, 27 shows in three and a half weeks — a marathon, as always, for the troupe’s 31 dancers.