About AILEY

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Please Credit Photo: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Photo by Dario Calmese
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Founded by Alvin Ailey on March 30, 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world. With a repertory that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers, it has performed in more than 70 countries on six continents and has been designated a "vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World” by a US Congressional resolution. 

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). Using the American modern dance tradition and the beauty of the African American cultural heritage, AILEY enlightens, unites, and inspires all people.    

Featured News Releases

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Opening Night Gala Honors Dance Education Luminary Jody Gottfried Arnhold Wednesday, December 4 At 7pm

NEW YORK — updated November 12, 2024 — Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off its five-week holiday season celebrating the life and legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm with a star-studded Opening Night Gala, including a performance at New York City Center and party at Ziegfeld Ballroom. The Gala honors Jody Gottfried Arnhold for her steadfast commitment to accessible dance education for all and her invaluable support of AILEY’s mission. The Honorary Chairs for the evening are Gayle King, co-host of “CBS Mornings” and Editor-at-Large of Oprah Daily, and Phylicia Rashad, two-time Tony® Award-winning actress.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Returns To Atlanta's Fox Theatre February 12-16, 2025 For An Unprecedented Six Performances

ATLANTA – October 16, 2024 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular dance companies, announces a return to the Fox Theatre, February 12–16, as part of an extensive United States tour. Celebrating the Company’s season of Legacy in Motion, the 2025 Atlanta engagement will showcase the unrivaled artistry, passion, and precision of the extraordinary Ailey dancers for six uplifting performances, including one on Valentine’s Day, featuring brilliant premieres, new productions, and repertory favorites sure to thrill returning fans and first-timers alike.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Presents Two Thrilling Programs At BAM (Brooklyn Academy Of Music), June 4-9, 2024

BROOKLYN, NY - May 15, 2024 - BAM is excited to welcome back the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrating its 65th anniversary, June 4-9, bringing its kinetic energy and dazzling technique with two exuberant programs: "Contemporary Visions" - featuring pieces by renowned choreographers Alonzo King, Jamar Roberts, and Hans van Manen; and "All Ailey" - which includes Ailey's must-see masterpiece, Revelations.

Featured Press Coverage

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Dance Magazine - Introducing Our 2025 “25 to Watch”

Where is the dance field headed next? The dancers, choreographers, directors, and companies on our annual “25 to Watch” list offer heartening, imaginative, exciting possible answers to that question. Whether or not you’re already familiar with these up-and-comers, our editors and contributors from across the dance world predict that we’ll be hearing a lot more from these artists on the verge of a breakout in 2025 and beyond.

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Thirteen - Connecting Dancer Alvin Ailey’s Life Story With Classrooms

Acclaimed choreographer Alvin Ailey infused his life story and Black cultural roots into his modern dance works, which have been enjoyed by millions since he first founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 in New York City. Early dances such as Revelations remain favorites in the company repertory today, but many people don’t know the background of the artist, who died in 1989.