A Letter to the Audience

I first saw Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater when I was eight years old. It was a VHS of Donna Wood performing Alvin Ailey’s Cry. I had never seen this kind of power and beauty—a kind in which I could see myself. It’s a moment that has stayed with me my entire life. 

Alvin Ailey wanted to deliver dance back to the people, and recently I’ve been thinking about exactly what he meant. He wanted to hold a mirror up to the audience. He imagined the theater not as a place of alienation and elitism, but of welcome and togetherness. A place to celebrate Black artistry in all its diversity and beauty. A place to feel.  

We come to the theater to find new inspiration, to witness the birth of new talent, to connect to our roots, to remember what Mr. Ailey started over sixty years ago, and why his vision is as bright and essential today as it ever was. To remember how beautiful we can be.  

Ailey audiences know this, and that is why we love to see you come back to the theater every year. This year’s season at New York City Center will be my first as artistic director. Whether you’re continuing a long-held tradition or making your first trip, I can't wait to welcome you for a season of dance that honors Mr. Ailey’s gift to the world. 

Thank you for joining us at New York City Center.