Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announces 65th Anniversary Season

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center’s Principal Dance Company and America’s cultural ambassador to the world, announces a much-anticipated 65th anniversary season at its New York City Center “home” from Nov. 29 – Dec. 31.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said the engagement features world premieres by Artistic Director Robert Battle, former Ailey company member Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish and the versatile Amy Hall Garner— the first awardee of a new Ailey Artist in Residence program. 

New productions of Ronald K. Brown’s Dancing Spirit, Alonzo King’s Following the Subtle Current Upstream, Jamar Roberts’s Ode, and Hans van Manen’s Solo will be staged. 

A dozen works by Alvin Ailey will be represented, including highlights programs of Ailey Classics and Ailey & Jazz with live music. 

Ailey’s must-see masterpiece Revelations will be performed throughout the season, with soul-stirring live music on the opening night and first weekend. 

Artistic Director Robert Battle said, “We are thrilled to once again greet our audiences for a full-length, five-week holiday season at City Center, with programs that express the spirit of hope, renewal, and community that are so much a part of Mr. Ailey’s legacy. 

“This is a moment to move forward, to expand, to look with fresh eyes at wonderful dances by Mr. Ailey and esteemed choreographers in our circle, and to welcome works by outstanding choreographers who are being represented by us for the first time,” he added. 

“Above all, this is a moment to pay tribute to the amazing women who have made Ailey what it is today, on our stage, in the studios and classrooms, and throughout the entire organization,” Battle continued.” We dedicate this season to the women of Ailey.”

Performances begin with a one-night-only Opening Night Gala honoring Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison in her 80th year, featuring an original work created for the occasion. 

Leading the season is the world premiere of a new ballet by Battle with an original score by acclaimed composer and longtime collaborator John Mackey. 

“Drawing from folk dance and the roots of modern dance and evoking the feeling of a ritual, this new work explores the ways in which community connections are renewed after prolonged social separation, ultimately inviting the audience into a close experience with the performers,” said Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in a statement. 

As part of its 65th anniversary season, Ailey also announces a new Ailey Artist in Residence program, expanding its investment in and partnership with choreographers who reflect Alvin Ailey’s cultural inquiry, participatory values, and worldview rich with vast curiosity.  

Created to dovetail with Battle’s New Directions Choreography Lab, the first cycle of the Ailey Artist in Residence program will welcome choreographers Amy Hall Garner, Maria Bauman, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, each of whom will be in residence for one year over the next three seasons. 

“Ailey Artists in Residence will have the opportunity to impact all aspects of the organization, making their presence felt throughout the year,” the statement said. 

Amy Hall Garner will kick off her residency with her first work for the Company to debut at City Center. 

“CENTURY is a deeply personal piece inspired by her grandfather on the eve of his 100th birthday,” Ailey said. “Taking a cue from his spirited essence and set to the music of Ray Charles, Count Basie, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more, CENTURY is a celebration of life, resilience, and joy.” 

Former Ailey dancer Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish will premiere a new duet titled Me, Myself and You. 

A dreamlike dance about reminiscence, it is set to Damien Sneed and Brandie Sutton’s rendition of “In A Sentimental Mood,” conjuring the memories of love and passion for a woman who is asking herself if she should let go or forge ahead, Ailey said. 

New productions this season include Ronald K. Brown’s Dancing Spirit, set to music by Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis, and War, which joins in the season’s tribute to the women of Ailey by evoking the elegance, dignity, and generosity of Judith Jamison and borrowing the title of her autobiography. 

For further information about Ailey’s New York City Center season, please visit www.alvinailey.org.