Students at Detroit Public Schools Community District put books and computer screens aside to learn about dance Thursday. At the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, students are learning to dream big. "I love dance and I like when I’m feeling low, I like to dance my way out of my feelings," said Janiya Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School.
Vernard J. Gilmore is an Englewood native whose career has seen him dancing in places all over the globe. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater principal took time out to chat with the Chicago Crusader in anticipation of his retirement and a grand tribute to the late Judith Jamison, who danced with the Company from 1965 through 1980–later becoming the Company’s Artistic Director from 1989 through 2011.
One of the world's most popular dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will present five new works for Chicago audiences, in addition to Ailey classics this weekend at The Auditorium. Dancer, Vernard J. Gilmore joined us to share more. We also got a preview performance.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 25th annual Washington, DC Gala Benefit took center stage during the Company's week-long engagement at The Kennedy Center, celebrating Black History Month with an evening of artistry and impact. A standout on the DC social calendar, the gala drew nearly 500 guests and raised over $1.2 million to support Ailey's regional initiatives, including new productions, youth education programs and scholarships for local students to train at The Ailey School in New York City.
Since 1976, Atlanta has prided itself on being the second home to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Each February, the extraordinary dancers showcase thrilling new works and audience favorites at the Fox Theatre. This year’s performances are Feb. 12-16. Choreographer Hope Boykin and Alvin Ailey interim artistic director Matthew Rushing recently joined Lois Reitzes on “City Lights” to share more about this season’s offerings.
Alicia Graf Mack has been entrusted with carrying the torch of ballet and modern dance into the future. As a dancer, she has battled through adversity to perform alongside artists like Beyoncé, John Legend and Andre 3000. As a teacher, she has helped bridge the past into the future, educating new generations of students.
NBC 4 speaks with Broadway choreographer, Camille A. Brown. While choreographing for Hell’s Kitchen and Gypsy on Broadway, Brown continues to shine with her AILEY family.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is set to unveil a breathtaking 2025 season, celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Judith Jamison, the late Artistic Director Emerita who shaped Ailey’s identity for decades. A towering figure in dance, Jamison’s influence transcended choreography—she was a mentor, a visionary, and a force of nature whose passion for storytelling through movement inspired generations.
In this tribute to legendary dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison, Portia sits down with Alvin Ailey rehearsal director Ronni Favors and Alvin Ailey dancer Vernard Gilmore to celebrate Jamison’s contributions and to discuss how the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater carries on her legacy of artistic excellence.
When Alvin Ailey's seminal dance work Revelations was first performed in 1960, it was about twice as long as the version that's now been seen by millions of people around the world. The company that bears the late choreographer's name is revisiting this history with a new piece set to fresh interpretations of the songs that were removed.