Jamar Roberts in a black sparkly suit with a knee up and arms back in front of a white backdrop with bright lights on the sides

New York, NY

Opening Night Gala

Dec 2

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Summary
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Date

Dec 2

Location

New York City Center
131 West 55th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues)
New York, NY
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Time

6:30PM

Time is subject to change. Dinner and dancing to follow at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, 141 West 54th Street. Black Tie or Festive Dress.

Buy Gala Tickets

On Wednesday, December 2, 2026, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater launches its 2026–27 New York City Center season with the highly anticipated Opening Night Gala, helmed by Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack.

The evening will feature an excerpt of the new production of Judith Jamison’s Hymn and Jamar Roberts’ Power of Love, a celebration of R&B legend Luther Vandross that brings his iconic hits to life, in recognition of what would have been his 75th birthday. Dinner and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom will immediately follow.

Proceeds from the Gala support the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, including the creation of new works, scholarships for talented students at The Ailey School, and AILEY’s innovative outreach programs for people of all ages. 

_{Programs, casting, and prices are subject to change without notice.}

Download the Save the Date

Co-Chairs	Jody & John Arnhold Emily & Len Blavatnik Jack Pitts Paula A. & Michael D. Price Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach Joan & Sandy Weill Pamela D. Zilly & John H. Schaefer
Vice Chairs	Anthony S. Kendall Anthony A. Lewis

	_{Listings as of September 2, 2026}

Decorative table at Ailey's 2025 Opening Night Gala

Ailey's 2025 Opening Night Gala Photo by Randy Lange

Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack and Executive Director Bennett Rink at Ailey's 2025 Opening Night Gala Photo by Randy Lange