Our Story

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AILEY is Legacy in Motion. From the company's first concert in 1958 to the organization’s vast impact around the globe, AILEY enriches the field of dance and shares the African American cultural experience through performances, training, classes, and community programs.

Dance is for everybody. I believe that dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people.

Alvin Ailey

Our Founder

Alvin Ailey was an incomparable dancer, a forward-facing visionary, and one of the most significant choreographers of the 20th century, whose work changed the course of modern dance forever. His legacy lives on today.

Blues Suite

Alvin Ailey

An ensemble of dancers in yellow costumes looking upward toward 1 arm with 1 knee bent

1960

Revelations

Alvin Ailey

A man holds a woman laying across his upper back

1972

The Lark Ascending

Alvin Ailey

A group of dancers in colorful costumes pose with arms extended upward in a dynamic formation on stage. The background is dark with subtle yellow light spots, enhancing the vibrant energy of the performance.

1974

Night Creature

Alvin Ailey

1979

Memoria

Alvin Ailey

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Our Organization

Alvin Ailey’s vision went well beyond a single dance company. Today, AILEY shares the power of dance in theaters, classrooms, and communities around the world.

An unrivaled force, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is AILEY's world-renowned founding company.

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Performances

The next generation of dance, Ailey II performs works by emerging and established choreographers.

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Performances

Stars are born and storied careers begin through training at The Ailey School.

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Training

Alvin Ailey's enduring mission lives on through Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs.

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Community

All are welcome to learn and embrace the power of movement through open classes at Ailey Extension.

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Classes

Our Mission

AILEY strives to further the pioneering vision of the choreographer, dancer, and cultural leader Alvin Ailey by building an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all. This performing arts community plays an essential social role, sharing the art of dance with people of all races, ages, and backgrounds.

Alvin Ailey’s groundbreaking legacy drives us to ever-greater heights of excellence, which we pursue with integrity, commitment, and creativity—now and into the future.

Mr. Ailey taught us to “hold a mirror to society so that people can see how beautiful they are.” Our performances and education programs illuminate the human spirit, unlock potential, and spark change.

AILEY expresses itself through the universal language of dance, rooted in African American tradition. On stage and off, we seek to bring together an inclusive community with no limitations.

We connect through a common love of dance and treasure our heritage. We aim to be collaborative and nimble, while maintaining a cohesive and supportive work environment.