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One-Night Only Performance Featured an Excerpt of Alvin Ailey’s Cry; Ronald K. Brown’s Grace with live vocals from Leslie Odom, Jr. and Cécile McLorin Salvant; and Alvin Ailey’s Masterpiece Revelations Performed with Live Music Followed by Star-Studded Party at the Ziegfeld Ballroom 

Over $2.2 Million Raised to Support New Works, Scholarships, and Educational Programs 

Ailey’s Renowned Dancers to Continue Inspiring Audiences at New York City Center Through January 5
Followed by Coast-to-Coast 2025 US Tour 

Live Music Performances Continue with Revelations During Opening Weekend December 6-8;
World Premiere of Hope Boykin’s Finding Free December 13-15;
and World Premiere of Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs December 20-22 

2024-25 Season of Legacy in Motion Includes World Premiere from Lar Lubovitch on December 12 and New Production of Elisa Monte’s Treading

On December 4, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater‘s 2024-25 season celebrating the life and legacy of beloved Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison kicked off with a star-studded Opening Night Gala complete with a moving performance and festive party. The Gala honored luminary Jody Gottfried Arnhold for her steadfast commitment to accessible dance education for all and her invaluable support of AILEY’s mission.  Honorary Chairs for the evening were Gayle King, co-host of CBS Mornings and Editor-at-Large of Oprah Daily, and Phylicia Rashad, two-time Tony® Award-winning actress.

The one-night-only program began with an excerpt from Alvin Ailey’s Cry to pay tribute to Judith Jamison, who originated the iconic role and ignited the ballet with her unparalleled grace and power; followed by a 25th anniversary staging of Ronald K. Brown’s rapturous Grace— a piece originally commissioned by Ms. Jamison during her time as Artistic Director – featuring live vocals from Tony® and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. and composer, visual artist, and GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. The performance culminated with the inspiring finale of Mr. Ailey’s signature masterpiece Revelations featuring an unforgettable score of spirituals sung live by a soul-stirring choir. During opening remarks, AILEY Board Chair Daria Wallach announced that in celebration of Judith Jamison’s profound impact on the organization’s signature education and outreach programs, an endowment fund has been initiated providing scholarships in Ms. Jamison’s name in perpetuity.

Afterwards the festivities continued at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom where 600 guests from the worlds of entertainment, business, philanthropy, and politics gathered for dinner and dancing with live music by premier band Élan Artists. Special guests in attendance included Honey Balenciaga, Misty Copeland, Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, Legendary Damon, Karon Davis, Carolina Herrera, Ty Hunter, Michelle Miller, LaChanze, Bianca Lawson, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Marcus Samuelsson, Anna Deavere Smith, Ben Vereen, Wallette Watson and more.

The gala co-chairs were Emily & Len Blavatnik, Jack Pitts, Dr. Danielle Robinson & Reverend Dwayne McClary, Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach, Joan & Sandy Weill, and Pamela D. Zilly & John H. Schaefer; vice chairs are Anthony S. Kendall and Anthony A. Lewis. Honorary Committee members are John Arnhold, Julia Arnhold & Lane Gerson, Paul Arnhold & Wes Gordon, Agnes Gund, Carolina Herrera, Regina King, Tina Knowles, Bianca Lawson, Tarell Alvin McCraney, and Indré Rockefeller. Over $2.2 million was raised in support of the creation of new works, scholarships to The Ailey School, and Ailey’s education programs for children.

The five-week holiday engagement continues with inspiring performances of acclaimed works and new pieces from a variety of choreographers for whom Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison paved the way. Audiences will be treated to the world premieres  of Jamar Roberts’ Al-Andalus Blues, Hope Boykin’s Finding Free, Lar Lubovitch’s Many Angels, and Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs as well as a new production of Elisa Monte’s Treading; and returning favorites including Ailey’s must-see Revelations. Performances at New York City Center culminate on Sunday, January 5 with a special program celebrating what would have been Alvin Ailey’s 94th birthday.

Following performances at New York City Center, the Company will continue to dazzle audiences from coast-to-coast on a National Tour visiting over 20 cities from January – May 2025. For information on how to experience the magic of AILEY, please visit ailey.org.

In addition to enjoying live performances, Ailey fans across the globe are invited to join in the dance during Ailey Extension’s legacy workshop series, encouraging all to learn to move like an Ailey dancer with help from former Company members. The series kicks off on Saturday, December 7nd at 3:30pm with Revelations Around the World – a free online global celebration welcoming people from all over the world come together to learn the steps of this beloved American classic.

The Opening Night Gala was sponsored by Diageo North America.

 

Photo Credit: Pete Monsanto