History
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Hero Credit: Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution
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Hero Credit: Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution
On March 30, Alvin Ailey and a group of young, Black modern dancers perform for the first time as members of Alvin Ailey and Company at New York’s 92nd Street YM-YWHA.
The Company travels on what Mr. Ailey calls “the station wagon tours” in a vehicle driven by a longtime friend of the Company, Mickey Board.
Joined the Repertory in 1958
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (then known as The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater) becomes a resident company of the 51st Street YWCA’s Clark Center for the Performing Arts—the Company’s first official residence.
Alvin Ailey choreographs his classic masterpiece Revelations, which premieres at the 92nd Street YM-YWHA on January 31, and immediately wins over audiences.
Joined the Repertory in 1960
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is chosen to go on an extensive tour to the Far East, Southeast Asia, and Australia as part of President John F. Kennedy’s “Special International Program for Cultural Presentations.”
Joined the Repertory in 1962
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs in a Chicago program entitled My People (First Negro Centennial), a collaboration between Duke Ellington and Talley Beatty.
Judith Jamison sees Alvin Ailey perform with the Company for the first time in Philadelphia.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the Rio de Janeiro International Arts Festival.
Joined the Repertory in 1963
On October 30, Judith Jamison dances with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for the first time. She will be one of the most recognized and lauded members of the Company throughout her 15-year tenure as a dancer.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater participates in the first Negro Arts Festival in Dakar, Senegal.
Joined the Repertory in 1966
Alvin Ailey sets Revelations on Ballet Folklórico de México for the opening ceremonies of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. This becomes and remains the only performance of Revelations by a company other than Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater or Ailey II.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater receives its first grant from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the White House for President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Joined the Repertory in 1968
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center relocate to 229 East 59th Street in Manhattan to share a renovated church building with choreographer and former Graham dancer Pearl Lang. AILEY and the Pearl Lang Dance Company share rehearsal space and, at the same time, Alvin Ailey and Pearl Lang co-direct the School.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second State Department-sponsored tour takes the Company to North Africa and Europe.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater goes on a six-week tour of the USSR—the first for an American modern dance company since the days of Isadora Duncan. The Washington Post reports that the Company was kept onstage for 20 minutes of curtain calls after a sold-out opening night performance at Moscow’s Variety Theater.
Alvin Ailey choreographs The River for American Ballet Theatre.
Alvin Ailey is awarded the Gold Star for Best Modern Dance Company and Best Modern Dance Choreographer at the 1970 International Dance Festival.
Joined the Repertory in 1970
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater appears at New York City Center for the first time. The Company is so successful that it is invited to perform there again three months later.
Alvin Ailey choreographs Cry for Judith Jamison as a birthday present to his mother. Cry becomes an instant hit, bringing even more acclaim to Alvin Ailey as a choreographer and Judith Jamison as an extraordinary dancer.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater participates in the inaugural gala performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
Joined the Repertory in 1971
Alvin Ailey is awarded an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree from Princeton University.
Masazumi Chaya joins Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as a dancer.
Judith Jamison receives the distinguished Dance Magazine Award.
Judith Jamison becomes a presidential appointee to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Alvin Ailey choreographs Carmen for the Metropolitan Opera.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater becomes New York City Center’s first resident modern dance company.
Joined the Repertory in 1972
Memories and Visions, a television special about Alvin Ailey produced by Ellis Haizlip, is broadcast on PBS on May 6.
Mr. Ailey launches the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (later re-named Ailey II) as a bridge between the School and the professional dance world. He appoints Ailey dancer Sylvia Waters to run the company.
CBS airs Ailey Celebrates Ellington, Alvin Ailey’s dance tribute to the American jazz legend, which includes the premiere of Night Creature.
Joined the Repertory in 1974
Alvin Ailey receives the Dance Magazine Award.
Joined the Repertory in 1975
Alvin Ailey choreographs Pas de Duke for Judith Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov and they receive keys to New York City.
The Company performs at the Duke Ellington Festival at Lincoln Center with the Ellington Orchestra.
The NAACP awards Alvin Ailey the prestigious Spingarn Award.
Joined the Repertory in 1976
On November 15, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater gives a special performance for President Jimmy Carter at the White House.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater gives its fabled “midnight performance” for the King of Morocco. Yielding to the King’s insistence that the Company celebrate the new year with him, the dancers do not actually perform until 3am, following a full Moroccan New Year feast!
Joined the Repertory in 1978
Ulysses Dove creates his first ballet, Inside, for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Judith Jamison.
Joined the Repertory in 1980
Alexander Godunov and Judith Jamison perform Spell as guest performers at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Opening Night Gala.
Joined the Repertory in 1981
Alvin Ailey receives the United Nations Peace Medal.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (now The Ailey School) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance and is now authorized to enroll international students.
Joined the Repertory in 1982
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey is founded.
Alvin Ailey choreographs Precipice for the Paris Opera Ballet.
Joined the Repertory in 1983
Alvin Ailey choreographs Survivors as a tribute to Nelson and Winnie Mandela.
Masazumi Chaya accepts Assistant Rehearsal Director position.
Joined the Repertory in 1986
Alvin Ailey receives the Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award, modern dance’s greatest honor, at the Page Auditorium at Duke University.
Joined the Repertory in 1987
On December 1, Alvin Ailey dies at the age of 58.
The entire Ailey organization—Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center—moves to 211 West 61st Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Judith Jamison becomes Artistic Associate for the US tour.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs with Jessye Norman at the Grand Palais Theatre for the Paris Centennial.
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey launches the first AileyCamp program.
Honoring Mr. Ailey’s wish, Judith Jamison becomes the Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater following his death.
Joined the Repertory in 1989
Masazumi Chaya accepts the position of Associate Artistic Director at the request of Judith Jamison.
The PBS production Dance in America features Ulysses Dove’s Episodes and Alvin Ailey’s For ‘Bird’–With Love in “Alvin Ailey: Steps Ahead.”
Judith Jamison choreographs Rift, set to music by Nona Hendryx, for the Company.
Joined the Repertory in 1991
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates its 35th Anniversary.
Judith Jamison’s autobiography, Dancing Spirit, edited by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, is published by Doubleday.
Annie Leibovitz shoots historic poster image that becomes a classic.
Manhattan’s West 61st Street is renamed Alvin Ailey Place.
Judith Jamison choreographs Hymn, her powerful tribute to Alvin Ailey, in collaboration with the Tony Award-nominated actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith.
Masazumi Chaya stages Alvin Ailey’s The River for the Royal Swedish Ballet.
Ailey in the Park attracts 30,000 spectators who congregate in New York City’s Central Park to see the live performance.
Joined the Repertory in 1993
Jennifer Dunning’s biographical tribute, Alvin Ailey: A Life in Dance, is published by Addison Wesley.
Masazumi Chaya stages Alvin Ailey’s The River for the Pennsylvania Ballet.
Sweet Release, choreographed by Judith Jamison to an original score by Wynton Marsalis, premieres at the Lincoln Center Festival, accompanied by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the Atlanta Olympic Games.
Joined the Repertory in 1996
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater embarks on a historic residency in South Africa, following the lifting of the international cultural boycott. The event is covered by Time Magazine and The New York Times.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater becomes the Principal Resident Affiliate of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and dances at its opening night gala.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
Alvin Ailey is in The New York Black 100 Tribute by the Schomburg Center celebrating the lives and achievemnets of the most significant Black New Yorkers of the 20th century.
The Ailey organization pioneers its new BFA program—a joint venture between The Ailey School and Fordham University, which offers students a unique opportunity to receive both superb dance training and a superior liberal arts education.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is the only dance company to perform at Time Magazine’s 75th Anniversary Gala.
Judith Jamison is the youngest person ever to receive the Dance/USA Award during the Spoleto Festival USA.
Judith Jamison receives the New York State Governor’s Arts Award.
Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble travels to Cuba.
Judith Jamison’s newest ballet, Echo: Far From Home, premieres in conjunction with 40th Anniversary celebrations.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater makes a triumphant return to South Africa.
Joined the Repertory in 1998
Orlando Bagwell’s documentary “A Hymn for Alvin Ailey,” inspired by Judith Jamison’s work Hymn, is broadcast nationally on PBS’ Great Performances.
Judith Jamison wins a Primetime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Choreography for her work on “A Hymn for Alvin Ailey.”
Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center are renamed Ailey II and The Ailey School, respectively.
AileyCamps are successfully launched in Chicago, IL and Bridgeport, CT.
Ailey II enters its 25th Anniversary season. Sylvia Waters celebrates her 25th year as Artistic Director.
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey celebrates its 15th Anniversary and the 10th Anniversary of AileyCamp.
Divining, created in 1984 by Artistic Director Judith Jamison, is revived in a new production.
Judith Jamison receives The Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts—the nation’s highest official distinction for creative artists.
Joined the Repertory in 1999
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates its 45th Anniversary.
Members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform at a White House State Dinner honoring the President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki.
Judith Jamison receives the Making a Difference Award presented by the NAACP ACT-SO.
The Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation presents the 52nd annual Capezio Dance Award to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs for the first time in Cyprus, where American Embassy officials praise the Company as “superb ambassadors for the USA and for the artistic spirit that brightens our lives and erases the shadows.”
The book, Alvin Ailey Dance Moves!, an innovative approach to exercise and fitness, is published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang.
Sylvia Waters is honored with a New York Dance and Performance Bessie Award for Sustained Achievement.
Ailey II performs for an audience of 4,500 as part of the Lincoln Center Out of Doors festival.
On October 1, Ms. Jamison is recognized by Essence Magazine as one of 50 women who is shaping our world.
As part of its annual ranking of the 100 Best Charities in the country, Worth magazine recognizes AILEY as one of the top arts organizations in the United States.
Joined the Repertory in 2003
On May 10, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer Dwana Adiaha Smallwood performs an excerpt of Alvin Ailey’s Cry with young students from The Ailey School on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Masazumi Chaya celebrates his 35th Anniversary.
In April, Ailey II premieres at The Ailey Citigroup Theater. The two-week, sold out engagement marks the company’s first New York season in its own home.
AileyCamp launches a two-week pilot program in Atlanta, Georgia.
On September 4, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is featured on the season opening of the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
On September 17, Artistic Director Judith Jamison is awarded a 2007 Bessie Award for her lifetime commitment to the preservation and development of dance and the arts. Company member Clifton Brown is also presented with a Bessie Award for performance.
Joined the Repertory in 2007
On February 1, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden host a reception at their home in honor of Judith Jamison and the Company. Guests include Cabinet and Congress members, and students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC.
On February 4, The Smithsonian National Museum of American History announces the donation of Judith Jamison’s costume from Alvin Ailey’s The Mooche to the Museum’s permanent collection.
Dance Teacher magazine names The Ailey School’s Horton Pedagogy Demonstration DVD as the Video of the Year.
Executive Director Sharon Gersten Luckman is the 2010 recipient of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by UW’s School of Education.
Ailey Extension celebrates its 5th anniversary. Since its inception in April 2005, over 35,000 people have taken classes.
Judith Jamison receives the 2010 Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award.
On April 28, choreographer Robert Battle is named Artistic Director Designate, to succeed Judith Jamison upon her transition to Artistic Director Emerita in July 2011.
Following the passing of The Ailey School Director Denise Jefferson, her associate directors Tracy Inman and Melanie Person are named Co-Directors of the School, which now trains over 3,500 students each year.
Joined the Repertory in 2010
In July 2011, Judith Jamison becomes Artistic Director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Ms. Jamison continues to dedicate herself to asserting the prominence of the arts in our culture, and she remains committed to promoting the significance of Alvin Ailey’s legacy—using dance as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present, and fearlessly reaching into the future.
Robert Battle assumes the role of Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Joined the Repertory in 2011
Sylvia Waters retires as Artistic Director of Ailey II after 38 years and is name Artistic Director Emerita of the company.
Joined the Repertory in 2012
For the first time in over a decade, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at Lincoln Center, featuring the world premiere of Four Corners by Ronald K. Brown, as well as encores of recent premieres and repertory favorites.
The Company’s historic return to Lincoln Center at the David H. Koch Theater after 13 years is the culmination of Artistic Director Robert Battle’s second season.
Joined the Repertory in 2013
Joan H. Weill, Robert Battle, Judith Jamison, Glenn Allen Sims, Linda Celeste Sims, and students from The Ailey School Photo by Andrew Eccles
After two decades of transformative leadership, Joan H. Weill retires as Chairman of the Board of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.
Joined the Repertory in 2014
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater marks its 60th anniversary on March 30 with the online release of a video performance of “I Wanna Be Ready” from Revelations, performed by veteran Company dancer Matthew Rushing in and around Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Mr. Ailey’s hometown of Rogers, Texas. This video is part of a series directed and produced by the French choreographer and filmmaker Redha Medjellekh that has garnered millions of views on various social media and other online platforms.
Joined the Repertory in 2018
In January, the Company welcomes Matthew Rushing into the role of associate artistic director. Previously he spent many years as a dancer, then as rehearsal director and guest artist with the Company.
In March, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, AILEY reinvents the way it reaches audiences globally by creating Ailey All Access, a way for audiences to go online and stream full-length ballets from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II repertory for the first time, along with classes, conversations, and original short films. Ailey All Access wins Time Out New York’s “Time In” Archive Treasure award for best archival streaming series.
Joined the Repertory in 2020
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II return to rehearsals at The Joan Weill Center for Dance after being on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the summer, the Company performs in the first ever BAAND Together Dance Festival alongside Ballet Hispánico, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park.
In September, Francesca Harper is named the new Artistic Director of Ailey II.
Robert Battle is celebrated as a Dance Magazine Award Honoree.
After the pandemic put Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances on hold, the Company returns to the New York City Center stage for the first time in two years.
Joined the Repertory in 2021
Joined the Repertory in 2024
On April 5, Ailey Extension celebrates its 20th anniversary of sharing dance and fitness classes with people of all ages by hosting a dance party at the Ailey Studios and special workshops at the Whitney Museum of American Art during the anniversary week.
Elaine Wynn, one of AILEY’s most dedicated and long-serving advocates, passes away on April 14. Her generous support ensures AILEY can deliver world-class dance programs for generations.
Alicia Graf Mack officially steps into her new role as AILEY Artistic Director on July 1.
The Ailey School launches the Ailey Teacher Certification Program: Ailey Horton Technique on July 21.
Philanthropist and longtime supporter of AILEY and dance, Glorya Kaufman passes away on August 5.
On December 29, beloved friend of Alvin Ailey and the company, Carmen de Lavallade, passes away. She was an icon in her own right as an actor, dancer, choreographer, and mother—a true luminary of American dance and theater.
Joined the Repertory in 2025
On January 26, Ailey Arts In Education and Community Programs launches a new curriculum, Finding Grace, that introduces students to movement through the study of Ronald K. Brown’s seminal work Grace. It's a product of collaboration between AAIE, 92NY Dance Education Laboratory (DEL), and Ronald K. Brown.
On February 4, Daria L. Wallach, Chair of AILEY’s Board of Trustees, makes a landmark $10 million gift to endow the position of Artistic Director. In recognition of the historic importance of this contribution, leaders who hold the role will now be known as the Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater appears in a television dance special directed by Lars Egler called Riedaglia. The piece features Alvin Ailey’s choreography set to music by George Reidel. Mr. Ailey wins the Grand Prix Italia, a prestigious television production award.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater embarks on a two-and-a-half month, 10 country tour of Africa for the US State Department.
Joined the Repertory in 1967
The Program cover for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performance at the White House for President Lydon B. Johnson on November 21, 1968.
The inside of the program for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performance of Revelations at the White House in 1968.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater moves to the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Alvin Ailey establishes the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, with 125 students in Brooklyn.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's first season at BAM takes the stage at the Billy Rose Theater.
Joined the Repertory in 1969
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Playbill cover from the spring engagement at New York City Center, which featured the world premiere of Judith Jamison in Alvin Ailey’s Cry. Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution
The Playbill cover from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first performance at New York City Center. Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution
An Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 1971 Playbill for a December performance at New York City Center. Photos by Jack Mitchell
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at President Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Ball at the White House.
On April 26, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the opening night of Studio 54.
Joined the Repertory in 1977
Alvin Ailey choreographs Memoria in dedication to his dear friend and dancer in the Company, Joyce Trisler who passed away. He creates the central role of Joyce Trisler on Donna Wood (left) and Sarita Allen (right) dances the role of her friend and angel.
Alvin Ailey receives the Capezio Dance Award for his contributions to dance.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II), and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (now The Ailey School) relocate to four new studios built to their specifications in their new home at 1515 Broadway.
Joined the Repertory in 1979
Judith Jamison premieres her first ballet, Divining, for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, with music by Kimati Dinizulu and Monti Ellison.
Alvin Ailey’s For ‘Bird’ - With Love is created and performed to honor Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s relationship with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey.
Denise Jefferson, a faculty member since 1974, is named Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.
Joined the Repertory in 1984
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is the first modern dance company to go on a U.S. government-sponsored tour of the People’s Republic of China since the normalization of China-United States relations.
Joined the Repertory in 1985
On December 4, Alvin Ailey receives The Kennedy Center Honors—the nation’s highest official distinction for creative artists—for his lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts.
Alvin Ailey receives New York City’s highest cultural honor—the Handel Medallion.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates its 30th Anniversary.
Joined the Repertory in 1988
The Company makes a triumphant return to Russia.
Masazumi Chaya stages Alvin Ailey’s Flowers for the State Ballet of Missouri (now Kansas City Ballet).
Forgotten Time, a ballet originally choreographed by Judith Jamison for The Jamison Project, is brought into the Company repertory.
Joined the Repertory in 1990
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s Shelter.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the televised inaugural gala for President Bill Clinton.
Dance Magazine calls Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater “recession-proof” because of its strong financial status and continually sold-out performances worldwide.
The Company performs for the first time at the Paris Opera.
Joined the Repertory in 1992
Judith Jamison choreographs Riverside, set to music composed by Kimati Dinizulu, for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Two more studios are added to expand the capacity of Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, providing more rehearsal space.
Judith Jamison and the Company are featured in a very successful American Express ad campaign. Advertising Age calls it “the campaign of the decade.”
Masazumi Chaya stages Alvin Ailey’s The River for Ballet Florida and the National Ballet of Prague.
Joined the Repertory in 1995
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Lincoln Center Festival and premieres Judith Jamison’s new ballet, Double Exposure.
Judith Jamison receives an American Choreography Award for her work on the PBS Great Performances documentary, “A Hymn for Alvin Ailey.”
Masazumi Chaya stages Alvin Ailey’s Night Creature for the Rome Opera House and The River for La Scala in Milan.
AileyCamp Boston opens and is honored by Boston Magazine in its annual “The Best of Boston” guide as a program of outstanding merit.
Joined the Repertory in 2000
AILEY announces plans for the construction of a permanent home. This state-of-the-art building will be the largest facility dedicated exclusively to dance in the United States.
Judith Jamison is commissioned by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee to create a new ballet for the 2002 Olympic Arts Festival.
Members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and young students from The Ailey School perform on Sesame Street dancing alongside Big Bird and Elmo.
During the Company’s engagement in Paris, France, Deputy Mayor Pierre Schapira presents Judith Jamison with the Vermeil Medal, the City of Paris’ highest award.
Joined the Repertory in 2001
Judith Jamison carries the Olympic torch in Salt Lake City, UT prior to the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs Jamison’s HERE…NOW. at the Olympic Arts Festival.
President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush award the distinguished National Medal of Arts to both Judith Jamison and the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.
Masazumi Chaya celebrates his 30th Anniversary with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
AILEY breaks ground on its new building in Manhattan. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg joins in the festivities and The New York Times covers the event with a front-page photo.
Ailey II is the first company to perform in the reconstructed Winter Garden at the World Financial Center in lower Manhattan.
Judith Jamison is honored by the National Theatre of Ghana and The National Dance Company of Ghana. In recognition of her great achievement in the arts, she is named Naa (Queen Mother) Akuyea Shika.
The first class of the Ailey/Fordham BFA in Dance program graduates.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs Revelations at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, broadcast on NBC television.
Judith Jamison and members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are invited to open the NASDAQ stock market.
Joined the Repertory in 2002
Program for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performance at The White House in honor of the President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki
The United States Postal Service issues a first-class postage stamp honoring Alvin Ailey. The American Choreographers series commemorates four visionary 20th century choreographers—Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, Agnes de Mille, and Martha Graham—who left a profound mark on the language of dance.
Denise Jefferson celebrates her 30th anniversary at The Ailey School and marks 20 years as School Director.
Executive Director Sharon Gersten Luckman receives the Encore Award for excellence in arts management from the Arts & Business Council of New York.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater embarks on its first tour of China and Singapore in 19 years. Under the sponsorship of Citigroup, the Company offers performances, outreach activities, and master classes in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Ailey Spirit: The Journey of an American Dance Company is published.
On December 1, Judith Jamison receives the Paul Robeson Award from the Actors’ Equity Association.
Joined the Repertory in 2004
For four days in March, AILEY celebrates the official opening and public dedication of The Joan Weill Center for Dance.
Ailey II celebrates its 30th anniversary season with engagements in more than 40 cities, performing and conducting outreach activities for more than 65,000 people. The company also presents its New York season at the world-famous Apollo Theater.
On April 4, the Ailey organization launches Ailey Extension, offering drop-in dance classes and workshops to people of all skill levels.
On May 8, the legendary dancer Dudley Williams gives his final performance with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater after 41 years. Mr. Williams helped define the signature artistry of the Company and originated leading roles in numerous ballets.
The National Black Sports & Entertainment Hall of Fame (NBS&EHF) inducts Alvin Ailey. Judith Jamison accepts the award on behalf of Mr. Ailey and the organization.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Russia after an absence of 15 years as the only American company to perform in the Stars of the White Nights Festival. The engagement marks the first time a modern dance company is presented at the legendary Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.
Judith Jamison is elected to the 225th Class of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which celebrates the achievements of leaders in the fields of scholarship, business, the arts, and public affairs.
The Arts & Business Council of New York awards Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Morgan Stanley the Arts and Business Partnership Award.
Joined the Repertory in 2005
On February 8, a ceremony in Washington, DC, commemorates the donation of the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Archives to the Library of Congress.
Renee Robinson celebrates her 25th anniversary with the Company, making her the first woman to achieve such a milestone.
On June 21, “Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater” premieres as a Dance in America special on Thirteen/WNET New York’s Great Performances on PBS.
On July 3, the Company embarks on a three-week run at the Le Etés de la Danse de Paris. In response to overwhelming demand, the Company’s engagement is extended for three additional performances.
In July, Ailey II performs at the 97th NAACP Convention in Washington, DC.
Joined the Repertory in 2006
On March 27, Ailey launches its 50th Anniversary celebration with festivities at The Joan Weill Center for Dance that garner widespread media attention.
In March, Hallmark introduces a series of six AILEY greeting cards created through its Mahogany line.
On April 1, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater becomes the first concert dance company to perform on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
On May 8, The Library of Congress opens the archival exhibit “Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: 50 Years as Cultural Ambassador to the World.”
After 38 years, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in June for a week-long, sold-out engagement.
In August, in celebration of the 50th anniversary and Alvin Ailey’s mission to “deliver dance back to the people,” AILEY offers free dances classes and performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II in all five boroughs of New York City.
On July 10, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater appears on FOX TV’s So You Think You Can Dance.
Sylvia Waters, Artistic Director of Ailey II, celebrates her 40th anniversary with the Ailey organization.
In November, Mattel presents the first-ever Barbie® doll inspired by a dance company: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Barbie® doll, designed by Artistic Director Judith Jamison.
Highlights of the 50th Anniversary New York season include Hope Boykin’s Go In Grace with an original score sung live onstage by the GRAMMY Award-winning vocal group Sweet Honey In The Rock; and a week of live performances by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
Joined the Repertory in 2008
On January 17, Artistic Director Judith Jamison receives the BET Honors award in Washington, DC. The BET Honors pay tribute to the lives and achievements of leading African American luminaries.
On their first night out after moving into the White House, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters enjoy a sold-out performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at The Kennedy Center.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center celebrates the Company’s 50th year with Alvin Ailey Film Day, an all-day event offering four programs of rare archival material and television documentaries. Additionally, The Film Society’s Frieda and Roy Furman Gallery hosts “Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The First 50 Years,” an exhibit of international performance posters, throughout the month of February.
The Arts & Business Council of New York honors AILEY and its corporate sponsor Diageo with a 2009 Encore Award, celebrating excellence in arts/business partnerships.
Thousands of dance enthusiasts fill New York City’s Bryant Park for a free performance by Ailey II as part of the Bryant Park Festival.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater begins a year-long celebration of Judith Jamison’s 20th anniversary as Artistic Director.
Joined the Repertory in 2009
Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison celebrates her 50th Anniversary with AILEY.
After nearly 20 years, the Ailey company makes a historic return to South Africa. They perform in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and lead workshops, master classes, and lecture demonstrations in over two dozen schools, universities, and community centers.
The Company makes its national film debut as part of “Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great American Dance.” The film includes Chroma by Wayne McGregor, Grace by Ronald K. Brown, Takademe by Robert Battle, and Revelations by Alvin Ailey, along with behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews with the artists.
Simon & Schuster publishes My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey, an inspiring children’s book based on Mr. Battle’s life.
Awakening, Robert Battle’s first new work for the Company since becoming Artistic Director, premieres.
Joined the Repertory in 2015
First Lady Michelle Obama recognizes AileyCamp Miami with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award for being one of the country’s best after-school and out-of-school-time creative youth development programs.
AileyCamp expands to ten cities nationwide, including Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Berkeley/Oakland, CA; Chicago, IL; Kansas City, KS; Kansas City, MO; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Newark, NJ; and Seattle/Tacoma, WA.
Joined the Repertory in 2016
AILEY opens The Elaine Wynn & Family Education Wing, a 10,000-square-foot expansion of the organization’s permanent home, The Joan Weill Center for Dance. The expansion was designed by the Center’s original architects, Iu + Bibliowicz Architects, and adds three floors to the west side of the building providing four additional dance studios, two flexible classrooms, and additional administrative office space.
Logo Trailblazer Honors recognizes Alvin Ailey as a pioneer who bravely fought for equality and airs a tribute to him on the Logo and VH1 television networks.
Ailey Arts In Education launches a new curriculum initiative, Night Creature: An Imaginative Journey Through Dance, a program for elementary school youth in grades 3-5 that uses Alvin Ailey’s Night Creature to foster connections to music, visual arts, socials studies, science, and literacy.
Joined the Repertory in 2017
Acclaimed Company member Jamar Roberts is named AILEY’s first-ever Resident Choreographer.
The Company also celebrates Masazumi Chaya’s final New York City Center season with a special performance. After nearly five decades with the Company—first as a dancer, then Rehearsal Director, and finally Associate Artistic Director—Mr. Chaya takes on a new role as Director of the Alvin Ailey Choreographic Legacy Project, and he is honored with the prestigious 2019 Dance Magazine Award, lauded as “a diplomat and a direct connection to the Ailey legacy.”
In honor of The Ailey School's 50th anniversary celebration, one hundred students from the School perform Alvin Ailey’s Revelations in the 93rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Joined the Repertory in 2019
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates its 65th anniversary with the addition of new works to the repertory: CENTURY by Amy Hall Garner, and Me, Myself and You by Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish.
In honor of Judith Jamison’s 80th birthday, the organization launches the Jamison Women of Ailey Fund, dedicated to amplifying and supporting the voices of women choreographers, artistic collaborators, dancers, and arts managers at AILEY.
Ailey II marks its 50th anniversary. Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper choreographs Luminous, a new work drawing on the legacy of the second company and recognizing the many Ailey II dancers who have left their mark on the history of the company.
The Ailey/Fordham BFA in Dance program celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Joined the Repertory in 2023
The Whitney Museum of American Art celebrates Alvin Ailey’s life and legacy in Edges of Ailey, one of the largest exhibitions in the museum’s history that brings together visual art, live performance, music, a range of archival materials, and a multi-screen video installation drawn from recordings of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater repertory to explore the full range of Ailey’s personal and creative life.
Ailey II celebrates its 50th anniversary with a national tour and performances in New York at the Joyce Theater.
The organization officially rebrands as AILEY, the parent brand of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, The Ailey School, Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs, and Ailey Extension.
Alicia Graf Mack, former Ailey dancer and dean and director of the Dance Division at Juilliard, is named the fourth artistic director of AILEY.
Judith Jamison passes away on November 9. Her enormous influence on the organization is celebrated and honored with Dancing Spirit: A Celebration of Life, a special memorial performance at New York City Center. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.
