Opening Night Gala at New York City Center

Please Credit Photo: Members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at AILEY's Opening Night Gala 2024. Photo by Pete Monsanto

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AILEY's 2024 Opening Night Gala ... (Read More) AILEY's 2024 Opening Night Gala Decor (Hide)

Leslie Odom Jr,. LaChanze and ... (Read More) Leslie Odom Jr,. LaChanze and Ben Vereen at AILEY's 2024 Opening Night Gala (Hide)

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Elaine Wynn and Interim ... (Read More) Elaine Wynn and Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing at AILEY's 2024 Opening Night Gala (Hide)

AAADT's C.Stamatiou, J.Harris, ... (Read More) AAADT's C.Stamatiou, J.Harris, S.Figgins and C. Dartey in Alvin Ailey's Cry, 2024 Opening Night Gala tribute to Judith Jamison (Hide)

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Featured News Releases

November 14, 2024

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.

November 21, 2023

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.

December 21, 2022

Ailey Shares The Gift Of Holiday Revelations With Free Streaming Of Opening Night Gala From December 21 Through January 2

NEW YORK – December 21, 2022 – The Ailey organization is sharing the gift of holiday Revelations with a free streaming of the 2022 Opening Night Gala at New York City Center from today, Wednesday, December 21 through Monday, January 2 on Ailey All Access, YouTube and Facebook. The one-night-only celebration features special appearances from Honorary Chair Tamron Hall, the two-time Emmy-winning TV host, journalist, author and producer, and philanthropist Denise Littlefield Sobel, the Honoree.

Featured Press Coverage

December 05, 2024

Town & Country - A Revelation on 55th Street

The life and legacy of Judith Jamison were celebrated on December 4 in New York City when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater held an opening-night gala to kick off its season at New York City Center.

December 05, 2024

VOGUE - Alvin Ailey’s Opening Night Gala Paid Tribute to the Late Judith Jamison

The world lost a great artist, but we did not lose her spirit,” said Phylicia Rashad of Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's late artistic director emerita. At last night's Opening Night Gala for the dance company, Rashad served as honorary co-chair alongside Gayle King and paid special tribute to Jamison: “Just as sure as if she was standing here, we feel Judith Jamison's strength and resolve, and we know what she would be saying. She would be saying ‘keep dancing, keep striving, keep teaching, keep reaching.’" And that, we certainly did.

December 02, 2022

Essence Magazine - Star Gazing: The Smith Family Shines On The 'Emancipation' Red Carpet

Back in New York, Alvin Ailey kicked off its winter season with a star-studded opening night gala at the New York City Center. Check out these, and even more star sightings of the week below.