The Ailey Blog

Christopher Taylor. Photo by Nir Arieli.
5 Fun Facts about Rising Star Christopher Taylor

Christopher Taylor, one of the newest members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, has been dancing with the Ailey organization for half his life. During an Ailey Arts in Education program in middle school, he watched a…

The Art and Anguish of Survivors

Steel bars. Somber moves. The cry for justice. Survivors, Alvin Ailey’s moving tribute to Nelson and Winnie Mandela, returns to New York City Center Masazumi Chaya, former Associate Artistic Director, who danced with the…

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…

Ailey II Dances Like You

Ailey II company members hit the streets of New York City for inspiration and New Yorkers obliged by showing off their best dance moves. Then, the Ailey II dancers put all the moves together to create a whole new high-energy…

Alvin Ailey, photo by Normand Maxon
Becoming Ailey

In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Artistic Director Robert Battle and members of Ailey's creative team collaborated with Bob Bonniol and Caryl Glaab of MODE Studios, Inc. to create…

A Dance Tribute to Civil Rights
Dancing in Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ailey’s Vernard J. Gilmore performs an excerpt of Hope Boykin’s r-Evolution, Dream. in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. r-Evolution, Dream. was inspired by the speeches and sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which…

EN: Fate, Destiny, Circle

Take a look at the inspiration behind Jessica Lang’s first work for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Choreographer Jessica Lang has been connected to the Ailey company for over 20 years. Even her first date with her…

Ailey featured in new series, “A Day’s Work"

By Grace Landefeld In NYC Media’s new video series “A Day’s Work,” viewers get to see what New Yorkers' lives are really like. Season 1 is dedicated to jobs in the arts and entertainment industry, and episode 2 features three…

I Wanna Be Ready: A 60th Anniversary Tribute to Alvin Ailey

On March 30, 1958, the dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) launched his company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, at a performance in New York City that forever changed the face of American dance. He was 27…

Ailey dancers Michael Francis McBride and Jacquelin Harris
Ailey launches new video series online

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is pleased to announce Rue Montorgueil, a joyful film-short that captures a spectacular chain reaction of dance along the bustling street Rue Montorgueil in Paris. This video launches a…

Cutting the ribbon at the opening of the Elaine Wynn & Family Education Wing
Ailey's new Education Wing opens

At a festive ribbon-cutting on the evening of October 18, 2017, leaders of the Ailey organization joined with dancers, students, donors, and friends from New York City's dance community to open the Elaine Wynn & Family…, 1/ 7 Ribbon-cutting for the Elaine Wynn…

Dance Moms

As we gear up for Mother’s Day, we decided to check in with a few of our instructors to hear about their motherhood experiences. Learn how their mothers influenced them and bring your mother or child to take our Mother’s Day…

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