Celebrating Black History on Broadway: "The Lion King"

Monday, February 26, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00pm

As one of the longest-running and highest-grossing shows in Broadway history, The Lion King continues to celebrate diversity with its representation of Black artists both on and off the stage. In 1998, The Lion King won six Tony® Awards including Best Choreography by trailblazing dancer and choreographer Garth Fagan. Composer Lebo M (who wrote additional musical material for the production) and Fagan now both hold Broadway records, thanks to The Lion King; with over 9,700 performances, they are the longest running Black composer and choreographer in Broadway history.

Dive into the exciting world of Disney on Broadway! Become a part of the show as you experience an exclusive and interactive Disney Broadway Workshop featuring content from The Lion King. Led by expert Disney Teaching Artists, this 90-minute workshop will give you the opportunity to explore the magic of Disney on Broadway and celebrate Black joy.

Dancers of all levels ages 16+ are welcome to participate in the workshop.

Pricing

Workshop Participant Fee: $40

Workshop Participant Early Bird: $35 (available until 2/5 at 11:59pm)

How Extension In-Studio Workshops Work:

Sign up for class in advance online.
Arrive at Ailey and check in the Extension desk.
Head to your studio and dance!

Read Our In-Studio Class FAQs >

About Ailey Extension's Black History Month Celebrations

Before he founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958, Alvin Ailey graced the stages of Broadway. Mr. Ailey made his Broadway debut after he moved to New York City in Truman Capote’s musical House of Flowers (1954) where he danced alongside his friend and long-time collaborator Carmen da Lavallade. Soon after, Ailey starred in The Carefree Tree (1955), served as a lead dancer alongside Lena Horne in Jamaica (1957), and made his acting debut in Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright (1962) alongside Cicely Tyson. He then went on to choreograph La Strada (1969) starring Bernadette Peters.

Alvin Ailey’s early career on Broadway and passion for theater can be seen today in his works including Blues Suite and For ‘Bird’ - With Love.

As we join in the annual recognition of the achievements of Black people in the United States, we celebrate Ailey’s lasting contribution to the performing arts and the global influence of Black choreographers and artists on Broadway.