History - 1988

Alvin Ailey Awarded The Kennedy Center Honors for Lifetime Contribution to American Culture

On December 4, Alvin Ailey receives The Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts—the nation’s highest official distinction for creative artists.

Alvin Ailey receives New York City’s highest cultural honor—the Handel Medallion.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

Joined the Repertory in 1988

Dedicated to the Hearts of the People.

Set to the gospel music of the Winans, From the Mountains of Taubalu is an inspirational/political solo Rovan Deon created especially for dancer Marilyn Banks.

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Credit

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Caroline Dartey in Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish's 'Me, Myself and You', photo by Paul Kolnik

Me, Myself and You Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish

Credit

Paul Kolnik

Survivors Alvin Ailey

Revelations Alvin Ailey

A Song For You Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's James Gilmer and Coral Dolphin in Alonzo King's 'Following the Subtle Current Upstream'. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

Following the Subtle Current Upstream Alonzo King

Constance Stamatiou in a new film adaptation for the 50th anniversary of Alvin Ailey's Cry. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Cry Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Yannick Lebrun in Hans van Manen's 'Solo'. Photo by Daniel Azoulay

Solo Hans van Manen

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A choreographic portrait of Jay McShann, a great practitioner of Kansas City jazz. Opus McShann conveys the various styles this jazz master exudes through his music. From the sexy, beguiling duet in Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You to the comical meandering Doo Wah Doo, Opus McShann presents the jazz doctor as a modern day African-American icon with whom everyone can relate.

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Solo Hans van Manen

Members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's 'Memoria'. Photo by Steve Wilson.

Memoria Alvin Ailey

Following the Subtle Current Upstream Alonzo King

Ailey Classics Act I & II Alvin Ailey

Credit

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Caroline Dartey in Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish's 'Me, Myself and You', photo by Paul Kolnik

Me, Myself and You Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish

Credit

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Amy Hall Garner's 'CENTURY', photo by Paul Kolnik

CENTURY Amy Hall Garner

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Kyle Abraham's Are You in Your Feelings? Photo by Paul Kolnik

Are You in Your Feelings? Kyle Abraham

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Shards (Ailey II)

Donald Byrd’s Shards is a skillfully crafted work, which showcases his eclectic and complex choreography. 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.