ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

Founded by Alvin Ailey on March 30, 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world. With a repertory that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers, it has performed in more than 70 countries on six continents and has been designated a "vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World” by a US Congressional resolution.

Forged during a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was established to uplift the African American experience while transcending boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. As the Company grew, Mr. Ailey invited dancers of all backgrounds to be a part of his vision while reimagining his company as a “library of dance,” a home for a wide range of choreographers’ works that might otherwise be lost—the first modern dance company of its kind. He expanded the global audience for dance with his visionary model and technically dazzling works.

Before his untimely death in 1989, Mr. Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor, who for 21 years brought the Company to unprecedented success—including two historic engagements in South Africa and a 50-city global tour celebrating Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 50th anniversary. In 2005, her idea of a permanent home for AILEY was realized with the opening of The Joan Weill Center for Dance, the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City. In 2011, she selected Robert Battle as her successor, who stewarded the Company until 2023 and inaugurated the New Directions Choreography Lab.

Today, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to bring joy and elation to audiences around the globe, while expanding its repertory with works by new choreographers and upholding Mr. Ailey’s legacy for future generations.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater gratefully acknowledges The Joan & Sandy Weill Global Ambassador Fund, which provides vital support for the Company’s national and international tours.

To book Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at your venue, please contact:

Opus 3 Artists 
250 West 34th Street
WorkLife Office, Suite 313
New York, NY 10119
212-584-7500