Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater boogies into a new era this holiday season

Ailey returns for the holidays with a new era under Alicia Graf Mack, star-powered gala events, world premieres, and the timeless Revelations.

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UPTOWN Former Ailey Dancers Alicia Graf Mack And Jamar Roberts In Judith Jamisons Reminiscin A Case Of You Excerpt Photo By Paul Kolnik
Former Ailey Dancers Alicia Graf Mack And Jamar Roberts In Judith Jamison’s Reminiscin A Case Of You Excerpt Photo By Paul Kolnik

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is ushering in a new chapter as it returns to New York City Center for its beloved holiday season run, taking place December 3 through January 4. The engagement marks the first under new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, who steps into the role with a vision shaped by her celebrated career as both dancer and educator—while carrying forward Alvin Ailey’s transformative legacy.

Opening Night

The season opens with a star-powered Opening Night Gala honoring Ailey Board Chair Daria L. Wallach. The event features Colman Domingo as honorary chair and a special appearance by Ciara, who will introduce a live-choir performance of Revelations. The gala program, performed entirely with live music, also includes the company premiere of Medhi Walerski’s Blink of an Eye, Judith Jamison’s A Case of You sung by jazz phenom Samara Joy, and a full-choir finale of Ailey’s timeless masterpiece Revelations. A post-show celebration will follow at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack Photo By Andrew Eccles 0007
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack Photo by Andrew Eccles

World Premieres & Classics

Throughout the five-week run, audiences will see five world premieres from Maija García, Matthew Neenan, Jamar Roberts, Fredrick Earl Mosley, and Ailey Artist in Residence Jawole Willa Jo Zollar (with Samantha Figgins and Chalvar Monteiro). The season also features special programs including Ailey Classics, an Ailey & Jamison Tribute, an all-new works program, and multiple live-music performances of Revelations. In addition, Saturday family matinees include a dancer Q&A led by former company member Amos Machanic.

National Tour

After the NYC engagement, the company will launch a 20-city U.S. tour from January to May 2026, with stops in Washington, DC; Atlanta; Los Angeles; Chicago; and more.

For tickets and details, visit ailey.org.

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