About AILEY

Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack with members of the Company
Please Credit Photo: Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack with members of the Company. Photo by Andrew Eccles
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Founded by Alvin Ailey on March 30, 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world. With a repertory that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers, it has performed in more than 70 countries on six continents and has been designated a "vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World” by a US Congressional resolution. 

The Ailey Organization includes: Ailey II (a second performing company of young dancers and emerging choreographers), The Ailey School (one of the world's most extensive dance training programs), Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs (which bring dance into classrooms and communities), and Ailey Extension (offering dance and fitness classes to the public). Using the American modern dance tradition and the beauty of the African American cultural heritage, AILEY enlightens, unites, and inspires all people.   

Featured News Releases

Ailey Receives Major Gift From Board Chair Daria L. Wallach To Endow The Position Of Artistic Director

NEW YORK – February 4, 2026 — Bennett Rink, Executive Director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, announced today that Daria L. Wallach, Chair of AILEY’s Board of Trustees, has made a landmark $10 million gift to endow the position of Artistic Director. In recognition of the historic importance of this contribution, leaders who hold the role will now be known as the Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Launches 20-City United States Tour From January 30 – May 10, 2026 During Inaugural Season Led By Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack

NEW YORK — January 30, 2026 — After an acclaimed holiday season in New York City, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – beloved as one of the world’s most popular dance companies – will grace stages across the United States during a 20-city coast-to-coast United States tour, starting January 30 in Washington, DC and continuing to cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles before culminating with a Mother’s Day performance in Newark on May 10.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Returns To Atlanta's Fox Theatre February 11-15 For Inaugural Season Helmed By Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack

ATLANTA – updated January 27, 2026 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular dance companies and America’s cultural ambassador to the world, returns to the Fox Theatre, February 11-15 for six dazzling performances that will showcase new works and beloved classics. Under the leadership of new artistic director Alicia Graf Mack, a former AILEY star dancer and renowned educator, the 2026 Atlanta engagement will feature the world premieres of Embrace by Fredrick Earl Mosley and Song of the Anchorite by Jamar Roberts. The season, programmed jointly by Ms. Graf Mack and Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, also includes the company premiere of Blink of an Eye by Medhi Walerski and a new production of Judith Jamison’s A Case of You. The finale of all programs is Alvin Ailey's soul-stirring, must-see American masterpiece, Revelations, which has captivated audiences globally since 1960.

Featured Press Coverage

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Authority Magazine - Power Women: Samantha Figgins of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater On How To Successfully Navigate Work, Love and Life As A Powerful Woman

If ever you find yourself in a space where people are uneasy with your presence, shine brighter! Stand in the power of all that you are. And do NOT apologize for it. How does a successful, strong, and powerful woman navigate work, employee relationships, love, and life in a world that still feels uncomfortable with strong women? In this interview series, called “Power Women” we are talking to accomplished women leaders who share their stories and experiences navigating work, love and life as a powerful woman.

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ATL Live - Alvin Ailey Returns to the Fox Theatre

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Alicia Graf Mack and Caroline T. Dartey join ATL Live in-studio discuss their journey in the company and this weekend’s engagement at the Fox Theatre. Watch segment here (5 minutes): https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/02/13/alvin-ailey-returns-fox-theatre/