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1958

1958

First Performance of Alvin Ailey's Company

1960

1960

Alvin Ailey's Masterpiece Revelations Is Born

1962

1962

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Goes on International Tour

1963

1963

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Collaborates with Duke Ellington

1965

1965

Judith Jamison's First Performance with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

1966

1966

Ailey Performs in Inaugural Arts Festival in Senegal

1967

Black and white photo of Alvin Ailey with women and children of the Makonde Tribe in Africa, 1967. Ailey is smiling, standing among a group of people engaged in a line dance. The group includes both children and adults, wearing traditional clothing.

1967

The Company Embarks on Ten-Country African Tour

1968

1968

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performs at the White House

1969

A thumbnail strip of black and white images

1969

The Company Begins its Inaugural Season in Brooklyn

1970

1970

The Company Goes on a Landmark USSR Tour

1971

1971

Alvin Ailey Choreographs Cry

1972

1972

Judith Jamison Receives Dance Magazine Award

1974

Black and white photo of Alvin Ailey dancers in a performance. The dancers are arranged in a circle, holding each other's arms, wearing flowing costumes. The background is dark, highlighting the dancers. Photographer's signature, Fehl, is visible in the bottom right corner.

1974

Alvin Ailey Leaps From the Stage to the Screen

1975

1975

Alvin Ailey Receives Prestigious Award

1976

1976

Alvin Ailey Creates Pas de Duke

1977

Dancers dressed in red silk pants and crop white sweaters are posed on a dance floor.

1977

The Company Performs for President Carter and at the Opening of Studio 54

1978

1978

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

1979

Black and white photo of Donna Wood performing in Ulysses Dove's "Inside." Wood is captured mid-movement, leaping over a bench with one foot on it. Her arms are positioned expressively, and she appears focused. The stage background is dark, highlighting her figure. Photo by William Hilton, 1979.

1979

Ulysses Dove Creates Inside

1980

1980

Alvin Ailey Choreographs Phases After A Year Long Hiatus from Creating Dances

1981

1981

Judith Jamison and Alexander Godunov Perform Spell

1982

1982

Alvin Ailey American Dance Center Receives Accreditation

1983

1983

The Ailey Company Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

1984

Black and white photo of Donna Wood and company members performing in Judith Jamison's "Divining." Wood is in the foreground, extending one leg upward in an elegant pose, while other dancers in the background mirror similar movements. The stage lighting casts dramatic shadows. Photo by Jack L. Vartoogian, 1984.

1984

Judith Jamison's Divining Premieres

1985

Black and white photo of Denise Jefferson with students from The Ailey School. Jefferson is seated in the center, smiling, surrounded by students dressed in dance attire. The students are also smiling and looking at her. The setting appears to be a dance studio. Photo by Julie Lemberger, 1984.

1985

The Company Goes on a Groundbreaking Tour of China

1986

1986

Masazumi Chaya Becomes Assistant Rehearsal Director

1987

1987

Alvin Ailey Receives Modern Dance's Greatest Honor

1988

In this photograph from 1988, Alvin Ailey is pictured at the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Lula Cooper and George Schultz, the U.S. Secretary of State. Alvin Ailey, adorned with the colorful ribbon of the Kennedy Center Honors medal, is smiling warmly, symbolizing his recognition and achievements in the arts. Lula Cooper, elegantly dressed in a floral patterned outfit, stands between them, exuding grace. George Schultz is on the left, dressed in a classic black tuxedo, holding a drink and smiling. The se

1988

Alvin Ailey Awarded The Kennedy Center Honors for Lifetime Contribution to American Culture

1989

1989

Judith Jamison Becomes Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater After Alvin Ailey's Passing

1990

Black and white photo of Jonathan Riseling and Andre Tyson performing in Judith Jamison's "Forgotten Time." Riseling is supporting Tyson, who is leaning back dramatically. Both dancers are in fitted costumes, and the stage background is plain, focusing on their expressive movement. Photo by Jack Mitchell, 1990.

1990

Judith Jamison's Forgotten Time Enters the Company Repertory

1991

1991

Dance In America Features Alvin Ailey’s For 'Bird' - With Love

1992

five women sit on the ground arms linked looking up at the sky in anquish.

1992

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performs Shelter

1993

1993

Manhattan’s West 61st Street Gets a New Name

1995

Karine Plantadit-Bageot, Lydia Roberts in Riverside

1995

Judith Jamison Choreographs Riverside

1996

1996

The Company Performs at the Atlanta Olympic Games

1997

1997

The Company Embarks on Historic Residency in South Africa

1998

1998

Judith Jamison's Echo: Far From Home premieres as part of the Company's 40th Anniversary celebrations

1999

1999

Judith Jamison Wins Primetime Emmy Award for "A Hymn for Alvin Ailey"

2000

Two dancers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing. The male dancer supports the female dancer, who is wearing a yellow outfit and extending her leg high in an elegant pose. The background is dark, emphasizing the dancers.

2000

The Company Performs Alonzo King's Following the Subtle Current Upstream

2001

This vibrant photograph captures Matthew Rushing and Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell performing in "HERE...NOW," a dance piece. The image, taken by Paul Kolnik in 2001, showcases the dynamic energy and physicality of the performance. Rushing is seen gripping Fisher-Harrell's hand as she leans forward, both dancers adorned in sleek, form-fitting costumes that emphasize their movements. The background features a blurred, abstract set design that enhances the sense of motion and intensity. This moment reflects th

2001

Judith Jamison Creates Commissioned Ballet for 2002 Olympic Arts Festival

2002

This image captures a joyful parade featuring students from The Ailey School marching to the future site of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's new home. The students are holding a banner that reads "ALVIN AILEY PL," symbolizing the significance of this momentous occasion. Dressed in white and carrying umbrellas, the students are accompanied by a performer dancing energetically alongside them. The parade took place in 2002 and was documented by photographer Kwame Brathwaite. This event marks a pivotal mome

2002

AILEY Breaks Ground on Its New Home

2003

2003

The Company Celebrates Its 45th Anniversary

2004

Commemorative postage stamp featuring Alvin Ailey. The stamp shows a portrait of Ailey on the left and dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on the right with arms raised. Text reads Alvin Ailey and 37 USA. The year 2004 is in the bottom left corner.

2004

U.S. Postal Service Issues Postage Stamp Honoring Alvin Ailey

2005

This image captures the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of the Joan Weill Center for Dance in 2005. The celebratory moment features dancers in white attire performing outside the building, symbolizing the joyous occasion. Notable figures, including dignitaries and guests, are visible in the background, adding to the event's significance. The dancers' coordinated movements, along with the white flags and umbrellas, reflect a sense of unity and celebration, marking a pivotal moment in the history of t

2005

The Ailey Organization Celebrates the Opening of The Joan Weill Center for Dance

2006

Group photo at the Library of Congress Ailey Archive Dedication Event, February 8, 2006. Individuals include members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, politicians, and guests. Two dancers in white costumes hold a framed photo.

2006

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Archives Donated to the Library of Congress

2007

2007

AILEY dancers perform on The Oprah Winfrey Show

2008

2008

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 50th Anniversary

2009

2009

Judith Jamison Receives BET Honors Award

2010

2010

Judith Jamison and the Company Honored at Reception Hosted by Vice President Biden

2011

2011

Judith Jamison Becomes Artistic Director Emerita

2012

2012

Ailey II Artistic Director Sylvia Waters Retires

2013

2013

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Returns to Lincoln Center

2014

2014

Chairman Joan H. Weill Retires

2015

Group of dancers in a studio with wooden floors and white walls. The dancers are spaced apart, following the instructions of the lead dancer in the center, who is gesturing. American and South African flags hang on the back wall. Mirrors are on the right wall.

2015

Judith Jamison Celebrates 50th Anniversary

2016

Jairo Ontiveros, AileyCamper Janasia Johnson, and Michelle Obama standing together in front of a gold curtain with American flags on either side. Ontiveros holds an award plaque. All three are smiling. Photo by Steven Purcell, 2016.

2016

First Lady Michelle Obama Recognizes AileyCamp Miami

2017

This image showcases The Joan Weill Center for Dance, a significant building for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Located at the corner of Alvin Ailey Place, the center is a modern, multi-story structure with a glass facade, reflecting the organization's commitment to transparency and openness. The building serves as the headquarters for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and is a hub for dance education, rehearsal, and performance. The photograph, taken by Christopher Duggan in 2017, captures th

2017

The Elaine Wynn & Family Education Wing Opens

2018

2018

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 60th Anniversary

2019

In this image from December 22, 2019, Masazumi Chaya is being applauded on stage at New York City Center after the "Celebrating Chaya" tribute program. The photo captures a moment of heartfelt recognition and appreciation for Chaya's contributions. Chaya stands at the center, holding a bouquet of flowers, with his hand on his heart, a gesture of gratitude. Surrounding him are dancers, colleagues, and admirers, all clapping and smiling in admiration. The stage is adorned with floral arrangements, and the lig

2019

First Resident Choreographer Announced & Masazumi Chaya Retires

2020

2020

New Associate Artistic Director & Ailey All Access Premieres

2021

2021

New Ailey II Artistic Director & Return to Live Performance

2023

Group of dancers in beige and brown costumes standing in a line, each with one arm raised, against an orange background.

2023

AILEY Celebrates Milestones Across the Organization