The Stars Love AILEY

From front-row seats, red carpets, and honorary chairs, celebrities have been showing up for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performances for decades. Take a look at who has supported the company over the years and how! 

Ailey Fans

Just like you, many celebrities show their support for AILEY simply by showing up. Over the years they have attended performances, galas, and even dance classes to get into the Ailey spirit! The list of familiar faces keeps growing every year, and we are here for it! 

The large number of esteemed Ailey fans who have attended performances also includes: 

• Beyoncé 

• Aretha Franklin 

• Alicia Keys 

• Jill Scott 

• Ludacris 

• Rosie Perez 

• Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor 

• Dennis Hasbert 

• Jennifer Garner 

• Ben Affleck 

• Sharon Stone 

• Patti LaBelle 

• Spike Lee 

• Morgan Freeman 

• Lupita Nyong’o 

• Scarlett Johansson 

• Alfre Woodard 

• Jeffrey Wright 

• Courtney B. Vance 

• Taye Diggs 

• Ricky Martin 

• Sterling K. Brown 

• H.E.R. 

• Debbie Allen 

• Amy Sherald 

• Danielle Deadwyler 

• Robert De Niro 

Honorary Chairs  

Some celebrities take their support to the next level by serving as an Honorary Chair for the company’s annual gala fundraiser. Being an AILEY chair is a special position of honor, and many legendary stars have lent their names to AILEY’s most prestigious event. 

Ciara is an award-winning singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and model. She served as the Honorary Chair and Honored Guest at Ailey's 2025 Opening Night Gala. 

Other Honorary Chairs have included: 

• Andra Day 

• Angela Bassett 

• Chadwick Boseman 

• Cicely Tyson 

• Colman Domingo 

• Cynthia Erivo 

• Denzel Washington 

• Derek Jeter 

• Gabrielle Union 

• Iman 

• Janelle Monae 

• Janet Jackson 

• Mo’Nique 

• Natalie Portman 

• Queen Latifah 

• Rihanna 

• Robin Roberts 

• Serena Williams 

• Tyson Beckford 

• Vanessa Williams 

This 2026 Opening Night Gala will have multiple Grammy Award-winning artist SZA and Award–winning filmmakers Spike Lee and Tonya Lee as Honorary Chairs.

Don't miss your chance to rub shoulders with the greats!