Black and white photo of Masazumi Chaya and Ralph Glenmore performing in Speeds. Chaya is in mid-air with arms and legs extended in a wide leap, while Glenmore is bent low to the ground in a graceful pose. The background is plain and light-colored.

Alvin Ailey Choreographic Legacy Project

The Masazumi Chaya Fund

In honor of former Associate Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya, AILEY has established The Masazumi Chaya Fund.

The Fund will support the annual production of classic works by Alvin Ailey, upholding the tradition of presenting the art and values of the Company’s founder, as well as launch the Alvin Ailey Choreographic Legacy Project that will formally document the works in the Company’s repertory.

Leading the project and serving as caretaker of Mr. Ailey’s legacy, Masazumi Chaya will organize the Company’s archive of recorded performances and create official resource guides for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater repertory. These guides will include the creation of digital repertory capsules with photos, videos, and information about costumes, scenic design, props, and music—making information about each work accessible to future generations at AILEY, as well as to people around the globe.

Through these two programs, the Ailey organization will ensure that the legacy of its founder will live on through the preservation of his choreographic masterpieces and that these works will be enjoyed by audiences well into the future.

Support The Masazumi Chaya Fund

It is a great joy to share the genius of Alvin Ailey’s choreography with other companies so that it reaches and inspires even more people around the world.

Masazumi Chaya

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey’s Blues Suite Photo by Paul Kolnik

Dancers performing Alvin Ailey's Masekela Langage, clad in bold costumes and striking a powerful pose onstage.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Masekela Langage Photo by Paul Kolnik

a group of dancer sit on the ground in a circle with a man in the middle standing and lifting a woman up

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's The River Photo by Paul Kolnik

Two dancers in front of a screen that looks like a lowering orange sun. They are wearing big hats and have church fans.

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Every donation to AILEY, a non-profit organization, furthers the pioneering vision of our founder, Alvin Ailey, to deliver dance back to the people.

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Hero Credits: Photo by Andrew Eccles, Photo by Andrew Eccles