Ailey's 65th Anniversary Opening Night Gala Will Honor Judith Jamison and Feature a Performance by Cynthia Erivo

On the heels of a successful international tour, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off its 65th anniversary season at New York City Center on November 29 with an Opening Night Gala honoring beloved trailblazer and iconic Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison. The celebration pays tribute to her legendary career as a groundbreaking dancer, choreographer, and visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on Ailey, the greater dance community, and American culture.

Judith Jamison shared, “The joy and gratitude I feel for my life with Ailey is overflowing at the thought of being honored as the 65th Anniversary season launches. I will cherish this tribute among the many treasured memories created since the genius Alvin Ailey invited me to join as a dancer in 1965, which led to 15 years of life-changing performances around the world and the honor of leading the Company for over two decades.”

This historic evening begins at 7pm at New York City Center with a pièce d’occasion and collaboration by Tony®, Emmy®, and GRAMMY® Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress, singer, author, and producer Cynthia Erivo with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. “I am thrilled to be a part of this evening and to be able to share the stage with the glorious Alvin Ailey Dance Company,” stated Cynthia Erivo, who will also serve as an Honorary Chair. “I have been a longtime fan and supporter of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and am so honored to be given the opportunity to support this company, who has given the arts so much.”

As an 80th birthday present to Ms. Jamison, Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation has provided generous support for the new work. Elaine Wynn said, “There is no better way to celebrate the force that is Ms. Jamison than to create new works in her honor. This special premiere is our gift to her. We hope it brings joy to all, but especially her and all the women who have upheld and uplifted Alvin Ailey’s legacy.” 

“As I look back and look forward, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the wonderful people, leadership and artists who have joined in continuing Alvin Ailey’s legacy, including the Board, staff, crew, dancers, choreographers, and musicians,” Judith Jamison said. “I am profoundly overwhelmed by the meaningful gift of artistry and spirit being planned and am thrilled to extend my gratitude to all joining in the celebration, especially the prodigiously-talented Cynthia Erivo and the amazing Elaine Wynn, a dear and generous friend who I love and admire. It will be a night I’ll never forget!”

The Gala program includes performances by a live orchestra, featuring acclaimed musicians Damien Sneed and Edward W. Hardy, who were also showcased in Ailey’s DC Gala earlier this year, and culminates with Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece Revelations, with its unforgettable score of spirituals sung live by a soul-stirring choir.

Prominent figures in the worlds of entertainment, business, philanthropy, and politics will join in the festive dinner-dance at the Ziegfeld Ballroom following the performance. Proceeds from the Gala 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 Emily & Len Blavatnik, Raina & Jack Pitts, Dr. Danielle Robinson & Reverend Dwayne McClary, Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach, Joan & Sandy Weill, Elaine Wynn and Pamela D. Zilly & John H. Schaefer; vice chairs are Jill & Gunther Bright, Anthony S. Kendall, Anthony A. Lewis, and Leslie & Tom Maheras. Call 212-405-9031 or visit alvinailey.org/support/opening-night-gala for tickets.

Ailey is pleased to announce the 65th Anniversary Opening Night Gala Honorary Committee, a distinguished group of individuals across industries who will join the organization in celebrating the international dance luminary Judith Jamison: Jason Bolden, Michael Ealy, Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom, Jr., Billy Porter, Lionel Richie, Robin Roberts, Amy Sherald, Lena Waithe, and Pauletta & Denzel Washington. 

Ailey’s five-week engagement of new works and returning favorites at City Center features the world premiere of Amy Hall Garner’s CENTURY, a deeply personal piece inspired by her grandfather and set to the music of Ray Charles, Count Basie, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more; a Pioneering Women of Ailey program celebrating Carmen De Lavallade, Judith Jamison, Denise Jefferson, and Sylvia Waters, who are core to Ailey’s extraordinary legacy; highlights of a dozen works by founder Alvin Ailey; as well as performances featuring music by jazz greats and Mr. Ailey’s American masterpiece Revelations, both danced to live music on select days throughout the season. Tickets for season performances from November 29 through December 31, start at $32, and are on sale at the New York City Center Box Office, by phone at (212) 581-1212, and at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org.