Ailey's #ReunitedWeDance Opening Night Gala Benefit to Kick Off Homecoming Season

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will launch a three-week homecoming season on December 1 with a star-studded gala benefit performance at New York City Center and party at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. As Ailey's extraordinary dancers return to their home stage for the first time in two years, the curtain will go up on a joyous celebration "honoring our audience, our inspiration."

The one-night only performance at 7pm will feature Artistic Director Robert Battle's tour-de-force duet Ella with the added thrill of live music by GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, the forward-looking Love Stories finale portraying a luminous future built on the lessons and legacy of the past, and Clifton Brown and talented students from The Ailey School in 'Bird' Lives!, an excerpt from Alvin Ailey's dance tribute to jazz legend Charlie "Bird" Parker. Following the inspiring finale of Revelations, prominent figures in the worlds of entertainment, business, philanthropy and politics will join in a festive dinner-dance in the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

The event's co-chairs are Emily & Len Blavatnik, Paulette Mullings Bradnock & Howard Bradnock, Daria L. & Eric J. Wallach, Joan & Sandy Weill and Pamela D. Zilly & John H. Schaefer; vice chairs are Jill & Gunther Bright and Anthony A. Lewis. Proceeds from the annual benefit will support the creation of new works, scholarships to The Ailey School, and Ailey's educational programs for children. Call 212-405-9031 or visit alvinailey.org/support/opening-night-gala for tickets.

Ailey's December season includes a variety of special programs, including Battle 10th Anniversary, 50 Years of Cry, a Celebrating Jamar Roberts farewell (Ailey Resident Choreographer's farewell performance as a dancer) and hip-hop pioneer Rennie Harris' powerful Lazarus, featured in the acclaimed "AILEY" documentary in advance of a national broadcast premiere January 11 on PBS American Masters.

Tickets for the three-week engagement from December 1 through 19, starting at $29, are on sale now at the New York City Center Box Office, by phone at (212) 581-1212, or at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org.

Your health and safety are our top priority, which is why both venues (New York City Center and Ziegfeld Ballroom) will operate a fully vaccinated venue. Masks will be required inside the theater and at the dinner-dance except when you are seated at your table. Read more here about performance COVID-19 protocols.