The Ailey Blog

Pioneering Women of Ailey
The Pioneering Women of Ailey

We owe a great deal to the many people who have helped the Ailey organization thrive throughout its 65-year history. From the time Alvin Ailey founded this Company, he relied on close friends and confidants who believed in him…

Trinity McFadden and Samantha Figgins
A Student Meets Their Idol

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Samantha Figgins and Ailey Extension student Trinity McFadden share what it’s like to be a dancer and Deaf. Recently, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Samantha Figgins met…

Dr. Barbara Cohen-Stratyner. Portrait by Lynn Saville.
How One Donor’s Love of Ailey has Lasted a Lifetime

Dr. Barbara Cohen-Stratyner, Ailey Legacy Circle Member, shares the story of her love for the Ailey organization and how she continues to support the long-standing institution.  Dr. Barbara Cohen-Stratyner has been an Ailey…

Inside the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program

An innovative partnership between The Ailey School and Fordham University, the Ailey/Fordham Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is tailor made for students seeking world-class dance training and an exceptional liberal arts…

AAADT, Ailey II and Ailey School students in Alvin Ailey's Memoria. Photo by Paul Kolnik4
Surprising Things You May Not Know About Alvin Ailey’s 'Memoria'

Nearly all of Alvin Ailey’s works are based on a relationship, a feeling, or an event he experienced, and Memoria is one of his most personal. The death of his dear friend and colleague, Joyce Trisler, spurred him to create…

Bennett Rink, photo by Andrew Eccles
Meet Executive Director Bennett Rink

Over his 30 years with the Ailey organization, and as Executive Director since 2013, Bennett Rink has been guided by Alvin Ailey’s own words: to give dance back to the people.   Mr. Rink, who is celebrating his tenth year in…

Judith Jamison in Alvin Ailey's Cry. Photo by Jack Mitchell.
Judith Jamison’s Premiere Performance with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

It was October 30, 1965, when Judith Jamison made her debut as a dancer with the Ailey company, and the world of dance would forever be transformed. The performance took place at the Harper Theater Dance Festival in Chicago,…, 1/ 4 Mari Kajiwara, Melvin Jones, and Judith Jamison in Alvin Ailey's Revelations,…

Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Ailey II dancers. Screenshot from Ailey II video.
Ailey II: Legacy Shaping the Future of Dance

Get to know Francesca Harper and how her deep understanding of the Ailey legacy influences her work with Ailey II.   Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper follows in the footsteps of the strong Black women that came…

Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper. Photo by Nir Arieli.
New Ailey II Artistic Director

Announcing Ailey II's New Artistic Director, Francesca Harper Internationally renowned performer, choreographer, director, and multi-disciplinary artist Francesca Harper has been appointed Artistic Director of Ailey II, the…

Jacqueline Green in Revelations, photo by Paul Kolnik
Ailey's Opening Night Virtual Benefit

While we truly wish we could host our traditional in-person Opening Night Gala, we’re thrilled that going virtual means even more of our Ailey family can join us on this very special night. This year’s first-ever Opening…

two dancers
Announcing Ailey’s Virtual Season, Dec 2–31

"This season we look forward to joining with you on a journey of reinvention and reimagination, that takes Ailey’s artistry to new heights with excellence, beauty, strength, hope, and love." —Robert Battle While we miss…

Revelations dancers
Thank you for your outpouring of support!

We hope you and your families remain safe and healthy. While this time continues to test us all, it also continues to reinforce our perseverance, humanity, creative courage, and deep commitment to each other. We are grateful…

A Message from Ailey Artistic Director Robert Battle

"Not all the works are political, but they certainly reflect my feelings about what goes on in this country. I mean I can't get over that, I'm a black man living in this." —Alvin Ailey As a black man living in this and as the…

Ailey Dancers Dance Together While Apart

Even in these hard times, our dancers strive to bring the world joy from the comfort of their own homes. During this stressful period, we find comfort and relief in the beauty of dance. Please enjoy this video created by some…

Part of Greenwood district burned during the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921
The Greenwood Story

The 35-block Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dubbed America's "Black Wall Street" by Booker T. Washington, became a prosperous center for black commerce in the early 1900s.  On May 30, 1921 a 19-year-old black man named…

See Where Ailey Began

Founded in 1958, the company embodies Mr. Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.

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