2004’s Love Stories was a collaboration among Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison, choreographer Rennie Harris, and Artistic Director Robert Battle. Inspired by the African concept of “Sankofa”, which teaches that “we don’t know where we’re going unless we know where we have been”, this extraordinary ballet celebrates the traditions of African American dance and the rich heritage of Alvin Ailey.

In the ballet’s joyful finale, being presented as a standalone piece this season, Battle portrays a luminous future built on the lessons and legacy of the past. The New York Times called it “astoundingly well danced… a breakthrough in creative choreography” and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution proclaimed, “It’s a party!”

Love Stories was created through the Ailey New Works Fund, supported by Altria Group, Inc.

This work was supported by the Ailey New Choreography Initiative, sponsored by AT&T.

Major support for Love Stories was provided by Ford Foundation.

Generous support was also received from The Fred Eychaner New Works Endowment Fund and The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey – Sara & Bill Morgan New Works Endowment Fund.

Additional funding for Love Stories provided by The Harkness Foundation for Dance; NJPAC Alternate Routes, New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation; and Laren & Jesse Brill.