Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Founded in 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World.”  Ailey’s artists have performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents.   Led by Robert Battle, Ailey’s performances celebrate the human spirit through the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition.

Featured News Releases

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.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Announces 2023 New York City Center Season November 29 - December 31

NEW YORK, UPDATED October 26, 2023— Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center’s Principal Dance Company and America’s cultural ambassador to the world, announces a much-anticipated 65th anniversary season at its New York City Center “home” from November 29 - December 31. The engagement features world premieres by former Ailey company member Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish and the versatile Amy Hall Garner— the first awardee of a new Ailey Artist in Residence program. New productions include Ronald K. Brown’s Dancing Spirit, Alonzo King’s Following the Subtle Current Upstream, Jamar Roberts’s Ode, and Hans van Manen’s Solo. A dozen works by Alvin Ailey will be represented, including highlights programs of Ailey Classics and Ailey & Jazz with live music. Mr. Ailey’s must-see masterpiece Revelations will be performed throughout the season, with soul-stirring live music on the opening night and first weekend.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Returns to Atlanta's Fox Theatre January 25-27, 2024 With Four Show-Stopping Performances

ATLANTA – October 17, 2023 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies, announces a return to the Fox Theatre, January 25-27 as part of its 65th Anniversary North American tour. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, the 2024 Atlanta engagement will showcase the unparalleled passion, talent, and precision of Ailey’s extraordinary dancers in four show-stopping performances featuring dazzling premieres, new productions, and repertory favorites sure to thrill returning fans and first-timers alike.

Featured Press Coverage

TheGuardian_AAADT_London_Revelations_Feelings_Review_9.10.23

The Guardian - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Mixed Bill review – community-spirited joy

The pioneering company’s warmth and athletic grace is showcased in a selection of old and new work. There’s something generous about Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It’s there in the dancing – full of skill, passion and a charismatic warmth not always seen in contemporary dance companies. It’s there too in the programming: at Sadler’s Wells over the coming week, the company will perform four carefully curated bills, full of rarely seen and new work. At the same time, the young company Ailey II sets off on tour around Britain, with more treats planned.

TheTelegraph_AAADT_IntlTour_London_ContemporaryVoicesProgram_ReviewPRINT_9.6.23

The Telegraph - Alvin Ailey, review: the world’s most exciting dance company bring the house down

Of all the troupes who from time to time visit these shores, I’m not sure any is more consistently welcome or rewarding than Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Formed in New York in 1958 by their namesake to give black American dancers a “voice”, this resplendent ensemble is back in England for the first time in four years, following a brief sojourn at the Edinburgh International Festival. One offer during their 12-day stay at Sadler’s Wells is a full four programmes of works, of which Tuesday’s, Contemporary Voices, was the first. And, not for the first time, they royally brought the house down.