If there's a gala in Washington with a livelier dance floor than the annual Alvin Ailey after-party, Debra Lee, doesn't know of it. On Tuesday, Lee, president of Black Entertainment Television, will host her 11th gala to support Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater hosted its 13th annual opening night gala benefit at the Kennedy Center Tuesday night. Proceeds from the event, which drew politicians and business leaders, will fund scholarships to the Ailey School.
Nov. 30: The opening night gala of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater included a performance at New York City Center. A candlelight dinner at the Hilton New York in all white, AstroTurf floor covering included, followed.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has signed its first multi-year agreement with City Center, according to officials of the two companies who were scheduled to announce that arrangement on Tuesday.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed at New York City Center since 1971, but the arrangement has not been formalized until now: Both parties will announce Tuesday that the troupe will become the venue's Principal Dance Company and will continue to perform its five-week winter season at City Center for the next 10 years.
2011 Ailey at the Apollo Spring Gala at the Apollo Theater
Yes, absolutely, there was a great deal of pomp and circumstance (ball gowns, black ties, a red carpet and celebrities), because after all, it was time for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater annual spring gala at the world famous Apollo Theater to celebrate and support dance education under the Ailey umbrella.
Judith Jamison is leaving the post of artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with a smile and laughter. On Sunday night the company ended its annual season at City Center with a tribute to her that lasted over three hours.
"I have come a long way from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," observed Judith Jamison, retiring artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and American dance icon. "Yeah!" shouted back many in her adoring audience.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater featured the old and the new at its opening night Wednesday. It's signature performance, "Revelations," marked its 50th anniversary and coincided with the premiere of "The Hunt," choreographed by incoming artistic director Robert Battle.