Samantha Figgins News

In celebration of Black History Month, Ailey Extension is launching Ailey Legacy On-Demand, a series of on-demand workshops taught by the stars of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and presenting a variety of  workshops and classes that highlight Black contributions to the world of dance.

In the latest episode, Emmy-winning director and choreographer Al Blackstone (So You Think You Can Dance) talks with host Patrick Oliver Jones about some of the doubt, uncertainty, and aloneness he's faced in this industry.

The acclaimed Ailey American Dance Theater returns February 1-6 to the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, led by Robert Battle on his 10th anniversary as Artistic Director, with seven performances featuring a mix of new productions, a D.C. premiere, and enduring favorites.

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. 

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.

four/four presents, a curatorial platform commissioning collaborations between musicians, choreographers, and dancers, is producing its first series of live collaborative outdoor shows this summer entitled Open Air.

four/four presents, a curatorial platform commissioning collaborations between musicians, choreographers, and dancers, will produce its first series of live collaborative outdoor shows this summer entitled Open Air, hosted monthly from June through September 2021.

Kaatsbaan Cultural Park takes place May 20-23 and May 27-30, bringing together leading artists from the worlds of dance, music, poetry, sculpture, and the culinary arts. 

Works & Process has announced three newly commissioned video performances developed during Works & Process bubble residencies at Bethany Arts Community, Catskill Mountain Foundation, and Mount Tremper Arts that were sequenced directly into filming on location at The New York Public Library at Lincoln Center.

Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts have announced three newly commissioned video performances developed during Works & Process bubble residencies at Bethany Arts Community, Catskill Mountain Foundation, and Mount Tremper Arts.

During challenging times, the Ailey organization continues Alvin Ailey's legacy by inspiring people around the globe, reaching nearly 12 million people online. Ailey All Access, a series of streaming programming, including free weekly performance broadcasts, Ailey dancer curated short films and conversations, and more!

With a mix of exhilarating premieres, new productions, and retuning favorites, the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) marks its annual Kennedy Center engagement with seven performances on the Opera House stage from February 4a?"9. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, the company has had a long-standing impact on the world of modern dance and a unique role in celebrating the African American cultural experience. The company's performances include premieres from esteemed choreographer Donald Byrd and Ailey dancer and first-ever resident choreographer Jamar Roberts that shine a spotlight on social issues. The engagement will see three D.C. debuts; two new productions; and two company premieres, along with Alvin Ailey's American masterpiece Revelations, which will be performed as the finale for all seven programs.

Judith Jamison and members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater appear at TEDx for REVELATIONS FROM OF A LIFETIME IN DANCE.

There is nothing negative I could possibly say about the performance I witnessed on April 4, 2019 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.  Such artistry is almost hard to describe.  This company has an amazing history and is superb in both their interpretation and their amazing technique. Their 60-year history of excellence is a gift to our lives that must always Be. What more could you want? Extreme gratitude given to Glorya Kaufman, and Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center.  Ms. Kaufman is an Angel for the Arts in Los Angeles; especially for Dance. Supple strength that fluidly morphs until it hits a line that is as outstretched and aesthetically perfect as could be, and those are the visual pictures they create with their bodies.  It is a way of moving that combines all the elements of different opposites that we feel, react to and dream of, painting a visual picture, conveying expressive perceptions.  

The groundbreaking Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Kennedy Center for its annual engagement with seven performances on the Opera House stage from February 5 10. Celebrating its 60th Anniversary season, the company has had a long-standing impact on modern dance and uniqueness in promoting the African American cultural experience. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, the company's performances include Lazarus, the newest work by choreographer Rennie Harris co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center and premiered to acclaim during the company's recent New York season; three D.C. debuts; one new production; and a special Timeless Ailey classics program. Alvin Ailey's American masterpiece Revelations will be performed as the finale for all seven programs.

Famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater marks its annual Kennedy Center engagement, February 6 11, with seven magnetic performances on the Opera House stage. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, the company's performances include two D.C. debuts, three new productions, and a total of 10 works by a range of diverse choreographers. Alvin Ailey's American masterpiece Revelations will be performed as the finale for all seven programs.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Center is now presenting their 2016 at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater through June 19th. See the company's stunning displays of modern dance that celebrate the African-American cultural experience.

Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2015 Lincoln Center engagement kicked off with a star-studded Ailey Spirit Gala on Wednesday, June 10th. The one-night-only benefit performance and party honoring the Ford Foundation and sponsored by FedEx featured supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford as Honorary Chair. Gala Co-Chairs were Gina F. Adams, Ricki Lander, Almaz & Marc S. Strachan, Pamela Zilly & John Schaefer and Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach, and the Vice Chairs were Michele & Timothy Barakett, Dr. N. Anthony & Robyn Coles, and Leslie & Tom Maheras. The evening helped raise over $1 million for Ailey's extensive educational programs for young people, including AileyCamp and scholarships to The Ailey School. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Enemy Within, a film by director Preston Miller, featuring star performers Tyler Peck of New York City Ballet, Mathew Rushing of Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, Samantha Higgins of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and freestyle dancer Margues 'Nonstop' Scott will premier in New York at the second installment of New Dance Cinema on May 23. The film brings together the four unique artists to face a head on battle with insecurity and results in a beautifully shot and compelling tale of struggle and triumph.