Otis Redding’s sassy, sizzling music sets the stage for George Faison’s playful battle of the sexes.

The vivid emotions of Nina Simone singing “Wild is the Wind” play out in Robert Battle’s gripping solo.

Ronald K. Brown pays tribute to Judith Jamison’s profound influence with a new work that echoes the title of Jamison’s autobiography. Set to music by Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis and War, Brown’s evocative choreography uses movement from Cuba, Brazil and the United States to conjure dancing spirits who embody Jamison’s elegance, vision, dignity and generosity.

Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues--this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

Otis Redding’s sassy, sizzling music sets the stage for George Faison’s playful battle of the sexes.

The vivid emotions of Nina Simone singing “Wild is the Wind” play out in Robert Battle’s gripping solo.

Ronald K. Brown pays tribute to Judith Jamison’s profound influence with a new work that echoes the title of Jamison’s autobiography. Set to music by Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis and War, Brown’s evocative choreography uses movement from Cuba, Brazil and the United States to conjure dancing spirits who embody Jamison’s elegance, vision, dignity and generosity.

Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues--this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

The echoes of memories cascade into the distant past while pervading our awareness of the present. 

An ensemble work that references an urban social interaction that recreates life on 'the corner.'

Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues--this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

Judith Jamison’s stunning, Emmy Award-winning 1993 tribute to Alvin Ailey uses explosive, full company dances and quiet solos to illuminate Ailey’s humanity and the dancers’ unique qualities. Narrative recollections from dancers are arranged by the multi-talented actor/playwright Anna Deavere Smith.

Former Ailey company member Christopher L. Huggins makes his first contribution to the repertory with a new piece set to music by Moby and Sean Clements.

Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues--this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

With an intense physicality the work is rich with lush, spiraling duets that move seamlessly throughout the piece.

The complex, tightly woven rhythms of Indian Kathak dance are deconstructed and abstracted in this percussive, fast-paced work.

Jessica Lang created Splendid Isolation II, an adaptation of her work Splendid Isolation, specifically for the Ailey II dancers.

A solo set to two movements of Chopin's Sonata for cello and piano (op. 65), Doscongio is both fiercely focused and relaxed.

Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues--this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

Judith Jamison’s stunning, Emmy Award-winning 1993 tribute to Alvin Ailey uses explosive, full company dances and quiet solos to illuminate Ailey’s humanity and the dancers’ unique qualities. Narrative recollections from dancers are arranged by the multi-talented actor/playwright Anna Deavere Smith.

Former Ailey company member Christopher L. Huggins makes his first contribution to the repertory with a new piece set to music by Moby and Sean Clements.

Using African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues--this suite fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.

This program features excerpts from many of Alvin Ailey’s most popular and beloved ballets, including Blues Suite, The Lark Ascending, Hidden Rites, Isba, and Escapades.

Jessica Lang created Splendid Isolation II, an adaptation of her work Splendid Isolation, specifically for the Ailey II dancers.

Artistic Director Robert Battle’s athletic work for six men reveals the predatory side of human nature and the primitive thrill of the hunt.

Set to music by Mio Morales, Byrd expertly combines passion and formality in this ballet, creating the perfect vehicle for the stunning Ailey II dancers.