Judith Jamison News

Ailey Extension is helping people all around the world kickstart their 2022 resolutions with new workshops and weekly classes to help make movement part of a fun and healthy lifestyle.

The season features premieres, favorites, and a “greatest hits” retrospective of Robert Battle’s choreography. Battle 10th Anniversary is a sample platter of current Artistic Director River Battle’s decade in that role. Like a master chef, the selections of his dance offerings spanning ten years are palatable and varied yet complimentary. 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicked off its three-week 2021 homecoming season December 1 with a one-night only gala benefit complete with an inspirational performance at New York City Center and star-studded dinner-party at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off its homecoming season with a one-night only gala benefit on Wednesday, December 1 at 7pm, complete with an exceptional performance at New York City Center and dinner-party at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

Tickets are now available for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's return to the stage for a three-week homecoming season from December 1 – 19 featuring special programs celebrating a decade of Artistic Director Robert Battle's leadership, the 50th Anniversary of Alvin Ailey's Cry and a farewell performance for acclaimed dancer Jamar Roberts after two decades.

Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, announced today that internationally renowned performer, choreographer, director, and multi-disciplinary artist Francesca Harper has been appointed Artistic Director of Ailey II, the Ailey organization's acclaimed company of young dancers. Ms. Harper will assume her duties on September 7, 2021, and will immediately begin preparing for Ailey II's return to the stage.

The Ailey organization will resume Ailey All Access with a fall series of free programs from August 25 – November 17 in advance of the much-anticipated return to the New York City Center stage for live performances this December.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center’s Principal Dance Company and America’s beloved cultural ambassador to the world, returns to the stage for a much-anticipated annual season in their “home” theater December 1–19, 2021.

Recipients to be honored at the annual national celebration of the arts in Washington, D.C. are: operatic bass-baritone Justino Díaz, Motown founder, songwriter, producer, and director Berry Gordy, Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, legendary stage and screen icon Bette Midler, and singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.

New York City Center President & CEO Arlene Shuler today announced a full calendar of programming for the 2021 - 2022 season, reopening the landmark theater to the public in October 2021. This momentous return to in‐person live performances includes the popular dance and musical theater series audiences have loved throughout the years and new programs featuring iconic artists of today. Manhattan's first performing arts center, New York City Center has presented the best in music, theater, and dance to generations of New Yorkers for over seventy‐five years.

In observance of Juneteenth, Ailey All Access will present a program of conversation and dance, speaking to the enduring power of the human spirit and extending Alvin Ailey’s legacy of artistic activism.

Presenting a special homage to our nation's capital, Washington, D.C., appearances will include guest of honor Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, Congressman James E. Clyburn and Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama along with performances from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and gifted young dancers from The Ailey School.

Watch the vibrant performance honoring Allen here, featuring a professional ensemble that mirrors the energy and precision of the dancers in the iconic original film.

Ballet Hispánico, the nation's renowned Latinx dance organization recognized last year as one of America's Cultural Treasures, announces the appointment of Linda Celeste Sims as its new Rehearsal Director. Sims returns to the Company after beginning her dance journey as a student and Company dancer at Ballet Hispánico. She steps into the new role following a 24-year accomplished career at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, in addition to recent remote teaching positions at Marymount College, Ailey Extension, as well as Ballet Hispánico.

Ailey Extension has kicked off National Physical Fitness Month with an invitation for people around the world to have fun being fit and fabulous during in an array of virtual classes and special workshops. 

The Ailey organization is furthering the pioneering vision of its founder by “bringing dance back to the people” and lifting spirits through Ailey All Access, a series of online offerings including streaming of free performance broadcasts, Ailey Extension dance and fitness classes, and more.

In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, Ailey All Access will premiere broadcast of Jamar Roberts’ Members Don’t Get Weary on Wednesday, April 28 at 7pm EDT, 'a response to the current social landscape in America... an abstract look into the notion of one 'having the blues.”

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will continue to inspire audiences virtually with a spring series of free programs through Ailey All Access from March 17 – June 24.

Today (March 4) in live streaming: Eva Noblezada visits Backstage Live, a Sophisticated Ladies Reunion on Stars in the House, and more!

Stars in the House continues tonight (8pm ET) with a Sophisticated Ladies Reunion!  Duke Ellington: The Music That Defined A Century with Mercedes Ellington, Judith Jamison, Teri Klausner, Ty Stephens and guest hosts Erich McMillian-McCall and Kenneth Hanson.