Opening Night Gala at New York City Center

Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Ailey's 2025 Opening Night Gala

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Constance Stamatiou in Alvin Ailey's Revelations 2025 Opening Night Gala

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack and Bianca Lawson at the 2025 Opening Night Gala

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Medhi Walerskis Blink of an Eye with violinist Melissa White, 2025 Opening Night Gala

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Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack with Executive Director Bennett Rink at the 2025 Opening Night Gala

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Featured News Releases

October 13, 2026

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Announces December 2 Opening Night Gala With Multiple Grammy Award-Winning Artist SZA And Award-Winning Filmmakers Spike Lee And Tonya Lee As Honorary Chairs

NEW YORK — October 13, 2026 — On Wednesday, December 2, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will raise the curtain on its 2026-27 season at a dazzling Opening Night Gala with multiple Grammy Award-winning artist SZA and Award–winning filmmakers Spike Lee and Tonya Lee as Honorary Chairs. Kicking off the company’s five-week holiday engagement at New York City Center, the gala begins with a 6:30pm one-night-only program featuring the world premiere of Power of Love in honor of music icon Luther Vandross, followed by dinner and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

November 13, 2025

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Opening Night Gala On December 3 Kicks Off Alicia Graf Mack’s Inaugural Season As Artistic Director And Honors Board Chairman Daria L. Wallach

NEW YORK — November 13, 2025 — Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will raise the curtain on a new era under Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack with a star-studded Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, December 3 at 7pm, kicking off the company’s five-week holiday season. The event begins with a special performance at New York City Center, followed by a dinner and celebration at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. The Gala will honor Daria L. Wallach, chair of the AILEY Board of Trustees, for her visionary leadership, meaningful contributions, and invaluable commitment to AILEY and its legacy. Two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo serves as Honorary Chair as well as multi-platinum, GRAMMY®-winning global superstar, acclaimed singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural icon Ciara, who will appear as Honored Guest to introduce inspiring finale of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations with soul-stirring choir.

November 14, 2024

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Opening Night Gala Honors Dance Education Luminary Jody Gottfried Arnhold Wednesday, December 4 At 7pm

NEW YORK — updated November 12, 2024 — Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off its five-week holiday season celebrating the life and legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm with a star-studded Opening Night Gala, including a performance at New York City Center and party at Ziegfeld Ballroom. The Gala honors Jody Gottfried Arnhold for her steadfast commitment to accessible dance education for all and her invaluable support of AILEY’s mission. The Honorary Chairs for the evening are Gayle King, co-host of “CBS Mornings” and Editor-at-Large of Oprah Daily, and Phylicia Rashad, two-time Tony® Award-winning actress.

Featured Press Coverage

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September 14, 2026

Billboard - SZA, Tonya Lee & Spike Lee Named Honorary Chairs for Alvin Ailey Season-Opening Gala

Grammy Award winner SZA and award-winning filmmakers Tonya Lee and Spike Lee have been named honorary chairs for the Opening Night Gala (Dec. 2) kicking off the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 2026-27 season. The company’s five-week holiday season at New York City Center runs through Jan. 3, 2027.

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December 5, 2024

Town & Country - A Revelation on 55th Street

The life and legacy of Judith Jamison were celebrated on December 4 in New York City when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater held an opening-night gala to kick off its season at New York City Center.

December 5, 2024

VOGUE - Alvin Ailey’s Opening Night Gala Paid Tribute to the Late Judith Jamison

The world lost a great artist, but we did not lose her spirit,” said Phylicia Rashad of Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's late artistic director emerita. At last night's Opening Night Gala for the dance company, Rashad served as honorary co-chair alongside Gayle King and paid special tribute to Jamison: “Just as sure as if she was standing here, we feel Judith Jamison's strength and resolve, and we know what she would be saying. She would be saying ‘keep dancing, keep striving, keep teaching, keep reaching.’" And that, we certainly did.