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First Performance of Alvin Ailey's Company

Cover of the program for the 1958 Ailey & Parham dance performance. It is black and white with two names up top and a list of names below. There is a dancer on the bottom right.
Cover of the program for the 1958 Alvin Ailey & Ernest Parham dance performance.

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.

A white insert from an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance playbill

Joined the Repertory in 1958

Alvin Ailey's Masterpiece Revelations Is Born

Program cover for The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre performance at Kaufmann Concert Hall. Features a red background with an abstract black geometric design. Text on the left reads YM-YWHA Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street.
The program cover for The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre performance at Kaufmann Concert Hall in 1960.

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.

A yellow program of an Alvin Ailey dance performance. It lists repertory pieces and dancers.
A yellow page of staff from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Joined the Repertory in 1960

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Goes on International Tour

Japanese banner for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance. Features an illustration of dancers in red on a black background with yellow and white text. Date and time listed as April 30, 6:30 PM. Additional text in Japanese promoting the event and sponsors.
Banner promoting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances in Nagoya, Japan

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.”

A painted poster of Alvin Ailey lifting up Carmen DeLavallade written in Vietnamese to promote Alvin Ailey American Dance Theaeter performain in Saigon.
During the early years of touring, Alvin Ailey would often give his friend Carmen de Lavallade second billing to capitalize on her popularity, which he did for this poster promoting the Company in Saigon, Vietnam.

Joined the Repertory in 1962

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Collaborates with Duke Ellington

Black and white photo of Duke Ellington playing the piano. He is focused on the keys, dressed in a suit. In the background, a band is visible, with musicians playing various instruments. Photo by Stanley Dance, 1963.
Duke Ellington Photo by Stanley Dance

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

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

Judith Jamison performing in Alvin Ailey's "Revelations" in 1965, captured by George Kalinsky. She is wearing a light-colored dress and a hat, holding a fan in one hand. Her expression and pose exude energy and passion, with her arm raised high. Other dancers in similar attire are visible in the background, contributing to the dynamic and lively atmosphere of the performance.
Judith Jamison in Alvin Ailey's Revelations Photo by George Kalinsky

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.

Ailey Performs in Inaugural Arts Festival in Senegal

A yellow insert from the First World Festival of Negro Arts. It is in French on the left and English on the right. There is a world map in the middle with text all around.
Pamphlet from the First World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, Senegal.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater participates in the first Negro Arts Festival in Dakar, Senegal.

Joined the Repertory in 1966

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.

The Company Embarks on Ten-Country African Tour

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.

Black and white profile photo of Judith Jamison wearing a large, ornate crown. She is dressed in a sleeveless top and gazes forward with a calm expression. The background is plain, emphasizing her regal appearance. The photo is from 1967.
Judith Jamison in Geoffrey Holder’s The Prodigal Prince (1967) Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution

Joined the Repertory in 1967

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performs at the White House

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.

See the Program from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performance at the White House for President Lydon B. Johnson

A Yellow cover for The Nationa Council on The Arts program featuring Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing at the White house in 1968.

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 program for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's performance of Alvin Ailey's Revelations at the White House in 1968.

The inside of the program for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performance of Revelations at the White House in 1968.

Joined the Repertory in 1968

A thumbnail strip of black and white images

The Company Begins its Inaugural Season in Brooklyn

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.

A thumbnail strip of black and white images
Special event hosted by The Ailey School at BAM. Photo by Leroy Henderson
A thumbnail strip of black and white images
Special event at The Ailey School at BAM. Photo by Leroy Henderson

Joined the Repertory in 1969

The Company Goes on a Landmark USSR Tour

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the USSR
Members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the USSR.

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.

Group photo of Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Sylvia Waters, and company members at Casa Blanca, American Embassy, during the North African Tour, 1970. The group is seated on steps and arranged in a relaxed manner, smiling at the camera. They are outdoors, in front of a building with large windows.
Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Linda Kent, Mari Kajiwara, Consuelo Atlas, Sylvia Waters, Miguel Godreau, Alfonso Figueroa, Robert Johnson, Michele Murray, Leland Schwantes, Avind Harem, E. Huntington Parker, with the American Ambassador, and others during the North African Tour in 1970 Photo courtesy of Ailey Archives

Joined the Repertory in 1970

Alvin Ailey Choreographs Cry

Judith Jamison performing in Alvin Ailey's "Cry," wearing a long white dress with a full skirt. She is captured mid-movement with one arm raised and her head tilted back, exuding emotion and grace. The background is dark, emphasizing her dynamic pose. Photo by R. Faligant.
Judith Jamison in Alvin Ailey's Cry Photo by R. Faligant

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.

1971 Playbill program cover for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

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

Cover of 1971 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater playbill program book.

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

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater program book from a 1971 New York City Center performance

An Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 1971 Playbill for a December performance at New York City Center. Photos by Jack Mitchell

Joined the Repertory in 1971

Judith Jamison Receives Dance Magazine Award

A cover of Dance Magazine. There is a black dancer posed in a white top. The entire magazine has a red filter on top.
Judith Jamison on the cover of Dance Magazine in 1972 Photo by Herbert Migdoll

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.

This photograph, taken in 1972, features Masazumi Chaya, Melvin Jones, and Mari Kajiwara performing in Alvin Ailey's "Blues Suite." Courtesy of the Ailey Archives, the image captures a lively moment during the dance. Chaya, in the foreground, raises his arms with a joyful expression, while Jones and Kajiwara, in the background, also display exuberant poses. Jones holds his hat high, and Kajiwara, wearing a fringed outfit, adds a sense of movement and energy to the scene. The stage is set with simple props,
Masazumi Chaya, Melvin Jones, and Mari Kajiwara in Alvin Ailey’s Blues Suite Photo courtesy Ailey Archives

Joined the Repertory in 1972

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.

Alvin Ailey Leaps From the Stage to the Screen

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 Prestigious Award

Alvin Ailey receives the Dance Magazine Award.

A pink poster with a black illustration of a dancer. ALVIN AILEY is written across the top.
Season poster for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 1975 spring season at New York City Center.

Joined the Repertory in 1975

Alvin Ailey Creates Pas de Duke

A poster for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Pas de Duke. There are two dancers, one in black and one in white. The text reads Ailey Celebrates Ellington 1976 and then Mikhail Baryshkinov and Judith Jamison are named below.
Promotional poster for the Ailey Celebrates Ellington performance from 1976 featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Judith Jamison in Alvin Ailey’s Pas de Duke Photo by Donald Moss

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

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

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

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.

A sepia invitation from President Carter to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. There are several signatures in blue ink over faded text.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s invitation to perform at President Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Ball at the White House

Joined the Repertory in 1977

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

A black and white photo of a dance troupe.
Alvin Ailey (center) surrounded by members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during the 20th Anniversary season Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution

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

Two women in floor length dresses hold hands while tilting toward each other with one leg up in the air.

Alvin Ailey Choreographs Memoria

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

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

This photograph from 1981 captures Masazumi Chaya and Marilyn Banks performing in Alvin Ailey's "Phases." The image, taken by Jack L. Vartoogian, showcases a dynamic moment in their dance, with both dancers adopting expressive, playful poses. Chaya, dressed in a sleeveless top and pants, and Banks, in a flowing dress, appear to be fully engaged in their roles, exuding energy and character. Their expressions and body language convey a sense of joy and connection, highlighting the lively and emotive nature of
Masazumi Chaya and Marilyn Banks in Alvin Ailey's Phases Photo by Jack L. Vartoogian

Ulysses Dove creates his first ballet, Inside, for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Judith Jamison.

Joined the Repertory in 1980

Judith Jamison and Alexander Godunov Perform Spell

Judith Jamison and Alexander Godunov are captured in an intense and focused rehearsal for Alvin Ailey's "Spell" in 1981. Jamison is wearing a sweatshirt with an image on the front and tights, while Godunov is behind her, both engaged in a complex and expressive dance pose. The photograph conveys the dedication and artistry involved in their performance, with both dancers deeply immersed in their movements. The background suggests a studio setting, adding to the atmosphere of preparation and practice.
Judith Jamison and Alexander Godunov in Alvin Ailey's Spell Photo courtesy of Ailey Archives

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 American Dance Center Receives Accreditation

In this 1982 photograph, dancers Mari Kajiwara, Donna Wood, and Maxine Sherman are performing Alvin Ailey's "Satyriade." The image captures the dancers in mid-movement, each extending an arm gracefully as their flowing costumes create a sense of fluidity and motion. The stage is bathed in a patterned light that adds depth and texture to the scene. The composition of the photograph emphasizes the synchronization and harmony of the dancers, highlighting the elegance and precision that Alvin Ailey's choreograp
Mari Kajiwara, Donna Wood, and Maxine Sherman in Alvin Ailey's Satyriade Photo courtesy of Ailey Archives

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

Members of the Company in Satyriade

1982

Satyriade

Alvin Ailey
Donna Wood, Dudley Williams in Sonnets

1982

Sonnets

Rodney Griffin
AAADT in Talley Beatty's Stack-Up

1982

Stack-Up

Talley Beatty

The Ailey Company Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

A poster for Ailey 25. The words Ailey 25 are in yellow graffiti under a dancer who is jumping in the air with his arms in a V
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 25th anniversary poster featuring Gary DeLoatch in Talley Beatty’s Stack-Up Photo by Sandy Geis

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey is founded.

Alvin Ailey choreographs Precipice for the Paris Opera Ballet.

Joined the Repertory in 1983

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.

Judith Jamison's Divining Premieres

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.

A group of dancers smiling together in a studio. The photo is black and white
Denise Jefferson (center) with students from The Ailey School Photo by Julie Lemberger

Joined the Repertory in 1984

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.

The Company Goes on a Groundbreaking Tour of China

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

Masazumi Chaya Becomes Assistant Rehearsal Director

Black and white photo of Alvin Ailey and Masazumi Chaya in rehearsal, early 1980s. Ailey, in a striped shirt, is seated with his hand on his chin, looking thoughtful. Chaya, to the right, gestures as he speaks.
Alvin Ailey and Masazumi Chaya talking during a rehearsal for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Photo courtesy of Mr. Chaya

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 Modern Dance's Greatest Honor

Text on a white background for a Scripp award to Mr. Ailey. A black and white headshot of him is below.

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

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

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

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

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

Black and white portrait of Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison. Ailey is seen looking directly at the camera, while Jamison is in profile, gazing to the right. Both have serious expressions. Photo by Jack Mitchell, 1989.
Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution

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