Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Homecoming Season Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets are now available for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's return to the stage for a three-week homecoming season from December 1 - 19 featuring special programs celebrating a decade of Artistic Director Robert Battle's leadership, the 50th Anniversary of Alvin Ailey's Cry and a farewell performance for acclaimed dancer Jamar Roberts after two decades.

Ailey's artistry that is returning to the New York City Center stage after two years has also inspired a dynamic collaboration between artist & creative Tremaine Emory - aka Denim Tears - and iconic Global sportswear brand - Champion. A Cry/Revelations sportswear collection launches today, Tuesday, October 19, on denimtears.com and then globally on October 26.

Like Alvin Ailey, who founded his Company at the cusp of the Civil Rights Movement to provide a platform for artists and voices that were not being heard, Tremaine is using fashion to shine a light on the stories of Black Americans and reclaim the power of the previously hurtful symbol of cotton. Emory took a deep dive into the Champion's archive to develop unique pieces that shine a spotlight on the legacy of Alvin Ailey - a legendary African American who created a cultural jewel offering performances and programs that continue to entertain, educate and unite.

The exclusive collection includes timeless "letterman" jackets and outerwear bearing the company's name and the year it debuted, bucket hats and trench coats inspired by Alvin Ailey's Hobo Sapiens, as well as bright plaids with the red, black and green of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Central to Emory's design narrative is movement, which is brought to life with a film directed by actor, dancer and director Taylour Paige at the Queen's Museum in New York featuring Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Samantha Figgins & Yannick Lebrun. Film can be viewed here, and collection imagery can be viewed here (photo credit: Grain Cinema).

The launch comes as anticipation builds for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's December season at New York City Center where Ailey's renowned dancers elevate a legacy of innovation and excellence in artistry led by Artistic Director Robert Battle. As detailed below, the joyous engagement features two world premieres translated from dance films to the stage - For Four and Holding Space, new productions, Ailey classics and returning favorites.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• #ReunitedWeDance Opening Night Gala Benefit - Wednesday, December 1, 7pm - An exciting one-night-only homecoming performance featuring the entire Company in a piece d'occasion, talented students from The Ailey School in an excerpt from 'Bird' Lives!, and culminates with an uplifting Revelations finale. Followed by a dinner-dance at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, the benefit raises support for the creation of new works and Ailey's extensive educational and training programs for young people.
• 50 Years of Cry Program - Sat, Dec. 4 at 8pm & Wed, Dec. 15, 7:30pm - Alvin Ailey choreographed Cry as a birthday present for his mother on his stunning muse, the legendary Judith Jamison. This physically and emotionally demanding tour-de-force 16-minute solo is dedicated to "all black women everywhere - especially our mothers."
• Returning Favorites Program - Sun, Dec. 5 at 3pm & Sat, Dec. 18, 8pm - Ailey fans will cheer when the stage springs to life with Azure Barton's dazzling BUSK and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar's powerful work Shelter.
• Robert Battle 10th Anniversary Program - Tues, Dec. 7, 7:30pm; Sat. Dec. 11 & Fri, Dec. 17, 8pm - Alongside the 2021 world premiere of Battle's For Four and new production of Unfold, this program also includes his Mass, Ella, In/Side, Takademe, and Love Stories finale.
• All Ailey Program - Wed, Dec. 8, at 7:30pm & Sun, Dec. 12, 3pm - Audiences will enjoy the new production of Ailey's Reflections in D and favorites like Memoria, a touching and powerful tribute to his mentor Joyce Trisler and Revelations.
• Celebrating Jamar Roberts - Thursday, December 9, 7:30pm - This farewell performance celebrates Jamar Roberts' indelible mark as a dancer over the last two decades and his compelling dances that engage artfully with social justice issues. Program includes Roberts Holding Space and special performances of Roberts in Revelations and more.
• Ailey & Ellington Program - Fri, Dec. 10 at 8pm & Tues, Dec. 14, 7:30pm - spotlights new productions of Pas de Duke and The River - two cherished gems from the over a dozen ballets founder Alvin Ailey created that celebrate the musical genius of the eminent American composer Duke Ellington that have become cherished Ailey classics.

Tickets starting at $29 are on sale at the New York City Center box office, through CityTix at (212) 581-1212, or at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org. Discount tickets are available for Ailey Super Fans who purchase tickets for more than one performance, for students with an appropriate ID, and for groups of 10 or more (discounts do not apply to $29 tickets). For group sales, call 212-405-9082 or email groupsales@alvinailey.org.

For further information about Ailey's New York City Center season please visit www.alvinailey.org.