Alvin Ailey's 2017 Lincoln Center Five-Day Engagement Begins 6/14

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, will return to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts for a five-day, seven-performance engagement at the David H. Koch Theater from June 14 - 18.

Highlights include a free jazz dance class on Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza and Ailey's company premiere of Robert Battle's Mass on Wednesday, June 14; Ailey Spirit Gala with a one-night-only performance of Battle's Moonlight x Ailey, a homage to the Oscar-winning film, on Thursday, June 15; family matinee performance followed by a Q&A session with the dancers on Saturday, June 17; and a performance finale on Father's Day on Sunday, June 18. Renowned dancer and former company member Clifton Brown returns to the stage for a diverse season with three stirring programs, each culminating with Alvin Ailey's timeless masterpiece Revelations. For the comprehensive season release with details on the repertory and programs, click here.

Wednesday, June 14

FREE Jazz Dance Class on the Plaza - 6:00pm

Dance lovers of all ages and levels are invited to participate in a free jazz dance class on Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza. Ailey Extension instructor Jeffrey Bynum will teach a heart-pumping outdoor class, sure to get participants excited for the Musical Inspirations program that evening, which includes works inspired by jazz legends. No event registration is required. This event kicks off Ailey's celebration of NYC Dance Week, a citywide festival from June 15-24, with 30 free dance and fitness classes offered at Ailey Extension (405 West 55th St.). Click here for Ailey Extension's complete NYC Dance Week schedule.

*Rain date: Thursday, June 15 at 5:30pm

Musical Inspirations Program - 7:30pm

Celebrating Birth Centennials of Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie

The Musical Inspiration program features works inspired by jazz legends and pays tribute to two icons during their centennials - Robert Battle's 2016 Company premiere Ella, set to Ella Fitzgerald's virtuosic scatting in "Air Mail Special"; and the 2016 new production of Billy Wilson's The Winter in Libson, a rhythmic and colorful celebration of the great Dizzy Gillespie.

The Company premiere of Mr. Battle's Mass features a score composed by frequent collaborator John Mackey that will be performed live onstage by six percussionists. Showcasing Mr. Battle's signature ritualistic choreography, his inspiration for the work came from Verdi's Requiem choir performance at Carnegie Hall.

The Musical Inspirations program debuts on 6/14, and will be performed again on 6/17 (mat).

Thursday, June 15 - 7:00pm

Ailey Spirit Gala

Already raising a record-breaking $1.3 million, the centerpiece of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Lincoln Center engagement is The Ailey Spirit Gala, a one-night only benefit performance and party. The benefit honors Ailey Board Vice Chairman Stephen J. Meringoff for his longtime support of Ailey, and his instrumental role in strengthening and sustaining AileyCamp. Critically-acclaimed actor André Holland, who most recently appeared in the eight-time Oscar-nominated film Moonlight, has been announced as Honorary Chair. During the performance, guests will be treated to a one-time-only reprise of Moonlight x Ailey, which will bring to life the dance film short choreographed by Robert Battle as a homage to the Academy Award-winning film. Set to Nicholas Britell's acclaimed score, the work features Ailey dancer Jamar Roberts, and students from The Ailey School. Following a rousing Revelations finale featuring an expanded cast, a festive soirée takes place on the promenade with musical stylings by DJ M.O.S.

Prominent figures in the worlds of entertainment, business, philanthropy, and politics will be in attendance. Expected guests include Zoë Kravitz, Jon Batiste, and Joan & Sandy Weill. Gala Co-Chairs Lynne & Anthony M. Carvette, Almaz & Marc S. Strachan, and Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach; and Vice Chairs Michele & Timothy Barakett, Dr. N. Anthony & Robyn Coles, Jaishri & Vikas Kapoor, Ricki Lander, Leslie & Tom Maheras, Pamela D. Zilly & John H. Schaefer will join Artistic Director Robert Battle and the dancers for the gala performance as well as the dinner and dancing that follows. Click here for the full Ailey Spirit Gala press release.

Family Matinee - Saturday, June 17 at 2:00pm

Bring the whole family to enjoy the Musical Inspirations program and stay for a free Q&A session with the Ailey dancers in the theater.

"Ticket to Dance" welcomes audience members to try their first Ailey Extension class FREE with the presentation of a performance ticket (returning students receive a free class with the purchase of a 10-class card). The offer is valid for 60 days from the performance date. Ailey Extension has fulfilled Alvin Ailey's life?long commitment of bringing dance to everyone by offering "real classes for real people" in 25 different dance and fitness techniques, seven days a week at The Joan Weill Center for Dance.