Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre returned to the stage Wednesday. Former dancers, including Judith Jamison, walked the red carpet at the dance company’s opening night gala at New York City Center in Midtown. Because of the pandemic, last year’s gala and season were virtual.
“The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater makes us feel...the struggle to be free, the tenacity of the human spirit, the triumph of faith—these are the eternal truths of Alvin Ailey’s enduring Revelations,” said Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, the gala’s honorary chair, as she introduced the dance company’s signature performance. The gala consisted of a two-part evening, celebrating the opening night of the five-week holiday season. It began with a multi-act performance featuring a tributary excerpt by Merce Cunningham, which was followed by the premiere of a new piece by Darrell Grand Moultrie called Ounce of Faith, which felt fresh, optimistic and modern, and, of course, concluded with the dance company’s famous Revelations. Following the show, guests made their way to a benefit dinner, where they were greeted by a 20-plus person band singing renditions of songs by Lizzo, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, and Rihanna—modern anthems of empowerment.
On December 4, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opened its holiday season at New York City Center with a gala benefit performance and party. The evening was chaired by Emily and Len Blavatnik, Paulette Mullings Bradnock and Howard Bradnock, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Daria and Eric Wallach, and Joan and Sandy Weill, and honored the contributions of Elaine Wynn and The Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation to Ailey and its mission.
A dinner-and-dance homage paid tribute to Alvin Ailey, as his company turns 60, at this season's opening gala in New York.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates 60 years with an Opening Night Gala. Celebrity guests included Jane Krakowski, Angela Bassett, and Cicely Tyson.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater hosts its annual Opening Night Gala in New York.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater hosts its annual Opening Night Gala in New York.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater hosts its annual Opening Night Gala in New York.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater honored Joan Weill at its opening gala.
Alvin Ailey's Opening Gala Benefit.