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First Performance
On March 30, Alvin Ailey and a group of young, black modern dancers perform for the first time as members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York’s 92nd Street YM-YWHA. -
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
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Alvin Ailey's Masterpiece Revelations Is Born
Alvin Ailey choreographs his classic masterpiece Revelations, which brings the Company international acclaim. -
Judith Jamison's First Performance With Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
On October 30, Judith Jamison dances with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for the first time. She will be one of the most recognized and lauded members of the Ailey company throughout her 15 year tenure as a dancer. -
Ailey Goes On Landmark USSR Tour
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater goes on a six-week tour of the USSR—the first for an American modern dance company since the days of Isadora Duncan. The Washington Post reports that the Company was kept onstage for 20 minutes of curtain calls after a sold-out opening night performance at Moscow’s Variety Theater. Alvin Ailey is awarded the Gold Star for Best Modern Dance Company and Best Modern Dance Choreographer at the 1970 Int -
Alvin Ailey Choreographs Cry
NYTimes Remembers Cry Alvin Ailey choreographs Cry for Judith Jamison as a birthday present to his mother. Cry becomes an instant hit, bringing even more popularity to Alvin Ailey as a brilliant choreographer and Judith Jamison as an extraordinary dancer. -
Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble is Established
Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble—a professional dance company with a full touring schedule—is created in order to help the most talented students from Alvin Ailey American Dance Center make the leap from studio to stage. -
Studio 54
On April 26, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at the opening night of Studio 54. -
Masazumi Chaya
Masazumi Chaya accepts the position of Associate Artistic Director at the request of Judith Jamison. -
Alvin Ailey Awarded The Kennedy Center Honor for Lifetime Contribution to American Culture
On December 4, Alvin Ailey receives The Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts—the nation’s highest official distinction for creative artists. -
Alvin Ailey Dies
On December 1, Alvin Ailey dies at the age of 58.
Honoring Mr. Ailey’s wish, Judith Jamison becomes the Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater after his death. -
Ailey Embarks On Historic Residency in South Africa
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater embarks on a historic residency in South Africa, following the lifting of the international cultural boycott. The event is covered by Time Magazine and The New York Times. -
Permanent Home
Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation breaks ground on its new building in Manhattan. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg joins in the festivities and The New York Times covers the event with a front page photo. -
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Archives Donated to the Library of Congress
On February 8, a ceremony in Washington, DC commemorates the donation of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Archives to the Library of Congress. Renee Robinson celebrates her 25th anniversary with the Company, making her the first woman to achieve such a milestone. -
Bessie
On September 17, Artistic Director Judith Jamison is awarded a 2007 Bessie award for her lifetime commitment to the preservation and development of dance and the arts. Company member Clifton Brown is also presented with a Bessie Award for performance. -
50th Anniversary
On March 27, Ailey launches its 50th anniversary celebration with festivities at The Joan Weill Center for Dance that garner widespread media attention. -
Robert Battle
On April 28, choreographer Robert Battle is named Artistic Director Designate, to succeed Judith Jamison upon her transition to Artistic Director Emerita in July 2011. -
Judith Jamison's Becomes Artistic Director Emerita
In July 2011, Judith Jamison became Artistic Director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Ms. Jamison continues to dedicate herself to asserting the prominence of the arts in our culture, and she remains committed to promoting the significance of the Ailey legacy – using dance as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present and fearlessly reaching into the future. -
Robert Battle's First Season
Robert Battle became Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in July 2011 at the personal selection of Judith Jamison, making him only the third person to head the Company since it was founded in 1958. In announcing his appointment as Artistic Director, she stated, “Combining an intimate knowledge of the Ailey company with an independent perspective, Robert Battle is without question the creative force of the future.” -
Ailey Returns to Lincoln Center
For the first time in over a decade, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performed at Lincoln Center. Seven performances featured the world premiere of Four Corners by Ronald K. Brown, as well as encores of recent premieres and repertory favorites. Ailey’s historic return to Lincoln Center after 13 years is the culmination of Artistic Director Robert Battle’s second season.
