Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater says it will raise the curtain on a new era under Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. The company will host a star-studded Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., kicking off the five-week holiday season.
The company announced that the event will begin with a special performance at New York City Center at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner at 7:30 p.m. and a 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.”
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announced that two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo serves as its honorary chair. Multi-platinum, GRAMMY®-winning superstar Ciara will appear as honored guest to introduce the inspiring finale of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations with a soul-stirring choir.
This one-night-only program is performed entirely to live music. It includes the company premiere of Medhi Walerski’s “Blink of an Eye,” an intriguing piece that explores the relationship between dance and music featuring GRAMMY®-winning violinist Melissa White.
Photo by Alice CastroPhoto by Alice Castro
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said the evening also features a new production of Judith Jamison’s sensual duet A Case of You. This piece is performed to a live rendition of the Joni Mitchell classic, sung by five-time GRAMMY® award-winning jazz artist Samara Joy.
Following Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations, featuring an unforgettable score of spirituals, prominent figures in entertainment, business, philanthropy, and politics will join a festive dinner-dance at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. Funds will support the creation of new works, scholarships for talented students at The Ailey School, and Ailey’s educational programs for children.
The event’s co-chairs are Jody & John Arnhold, Emily & Len Blavatnik, Jack Pitts, Eric J. Wallach, Joan & Sandy Weill, and Pamela D. Zilly & John H. Schaefer. Vice chairs are Anthony S. Kendall and Anthony A. Lewis.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater said the five-week engagement at City Center will move audiences with world premieres by Maija García, Fredrick Earl Mosley, Matthew Neenan, Jamar Roberts, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Samantha Figgins, and Chalvar Monteiro.
Alongside a company premiere by Medhi Walerski and a new production of Judith Jamison’s A Case of You, the season will feature a variety of repertory favorites. This includes Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations, performed to live music during the opening weekend.
