ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

A vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World

An unrivaled force, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is AILEY's world-renowned founding company.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

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.

LEADERSHIP

Judith Jamison

Judith Jamison

Artistic Director Emerita
Matthew Rushing

Matthew Rushing

Interim Artistic Director
Ronni Favors

Ronni Favors

Rehearsal Director
Clifton Brown

Clifton Brown

Assistant Rehearsal Director
Kanji Segawa, photo by Nir Arieli

Kanji Segawa

Assistant Rehearsal Director
Bennett Rink

Bennett Rink

Executive Director

DANCERS

American Guild of Musical Artists logo in blue

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

BOOKING

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 

 

Three male dancers perform on stage against a red backdrop with abstract shadows. The dancers are shirtless, wearing black pants, and are posed dynamically with one dancer on the floor, one mid-air, and another extending an arm. The stage is lit with green and red lighting.

Support Ailey

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater reaches millions of audiences around the world. Support our work and help share dance that amplifies the African American experience.