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 Announces Highlights of 2022 New York City Center Season November 30 - December 24

NEW YORK — August 30, 2022 — Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center’s Principal Dance Company and America’s cultural ambassador to the world, announces highlights of its always-anticipated annual season at New York City Center. Returning to its “home” theater for four weeks from November 30 - December 24, 2022, the Ailey company presents a world premiere by Kyle Abraham, the company premiere of Twyla Tharp’s Roy’s Joys, and a new production of Alvin Ailey’s Survivors. Programs also features the Company’s City Center premieres of Paul Taylor’s DUET and Jamar Roberts’ In a Sentimental Mood. Beginning with a one-night-only Opening Night Gala special program on November 30, the season showcases over a half dozen classic works by founder Alvin Ailey, including the always-inspiring must-see masterpiece Revelations.

Ailey Extension Kicks Off Fall Kids And Teens Session With Free Open House Sampling Ballet, Hip-Hop, And Contemporary Jazz Techniques

(NEW YORK) August 11, 2022 – Ailey Extension is opening its doors to young aspiring dancers for the return of the Fall Kids & Teens Sunday dance series from September 18-December 11. This year ahead of the official start of the 12-week session, children ages 5-17 are invited to get moving and grooving one week early while sampling ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary jazz classes at a free open house on September 11. All Kids & Teens programming takes place in person at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – NYC’s largest building dedicated to dance – where students of all ages and experience levels can get down while improving their technique with the help of Ailey Extension’s elite instructors.

Ailey Moves NYC! Free Summer Dance Celebration Delivers Dance To The People In All Five Boroughs July 23 - August 1, 2022

New York, NY, July 6, 2022—Embracing people everywhere in the city that is its home, the Ailey organization presents Ailey Moves NYC! a summer celebration with free outdoor events throughout all five boroughs, July 23 – August 1, 2022. Featuring Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Ailey Extension—which provides dance and fitness classes for all experience levels—and Ailey Arts In Education programs, Ailey Moves NYC! offers performances, dance classes, Revelations workshops, and screenings of Jamila Wignot’s acclaimed 2021 documentary Ailey.

Featured Press Coverage

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Dance Teacher - Ronni Favors’ Tips for Teaching Long, Extended Lines

Odds are, your dance students’ Instagram feeds are filled with images of professionals showing off their 180- degree penchés or demonstrating their highest extensions. It’s enough for a student to come to equate the length of their lines with the quality of their dancing—after all, dancers so often hear “long lines” as something to strive for.

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Washington Life Magazine - Alvin Ailey D.C. Gala

Dedicated to D.C. : A few months after its performance at the Kennedy Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater held its Washington Gala at Wolf Trap and raised nearly $850,000 to benefit local programs and scholarships for area students to attend The Ailey School in New York City. Guests enjoyed drinks and dinner in heavenly spring weather. Artistic Director Robert Battle and Board Member/Event Chairwoman Sela Collins spoke to an audience of more than 200.

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NJ Spotlight News - A Camp Founded By Alvin Ailey Teaches Kids Dance – And Life Skills

Newark is one of nine cities where AileyCamp is being held. Instead of going swimming or playing sports at a typical summer camp, some kids in Newark are spending their weeks out of school a little differently. They’re learning various forms of dance and creative skills at AileyCamp, a six-week program that was started by the legendary dancer Alvin Ailey just before his passing in 1989.