Memoria

In the tumultuous time of 1979 when Mr. Ailey’s great, perennial friend from his Lester Horton days, choreographer Joyce Trisler, died prematurely, he began choreographing Memoria. Later, he wrote, “Memoria is about Joyce’s life, my memories of her, my image of her. Although these are very abstract images, nobody has ever asked me what Memoria is about. People everywhere understand it. Making the dance was a very deep and wrenching experience for me.”

The ballet is structured in two parts—“In Memory” and “In Celebration”—to the sublime music of Keith Jarrett. Memoria marked the first time Mr. Ailey combined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with Ailey II and advanced students from The Ailey School.

Memoria Info Sheet

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Alvin Ailey American Dance ... (Read More) Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Memoria with Ailey II and students of The Ailey School (Hide)

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Alvin Ailey's Memoria B-Roll

Featured News Releases

August 20, 2025

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Announces Inaugural Season Led By Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack Launching At New York City Center December 3, 2025 - January 4, 2026, Followed By United States Tour

NEW YORK — updated August 20, 2025 — Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center’s Principal Dance Company and a beloved American cultural ambassador to the world, returns to the New York City Center stage from December 3, 2025 – January 4, 2026 for a five-week engagement, which has become a joyous holiday tradition! The milestone season raises the curtain on AILEY’s next era under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, the renowned dancer and educator, guided as ever by Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy. Audiences will be treated to classic works from the Ailey repertory that have inspired and uplifted fans for decades — including the touchstone of inspiration Revelations, the ultimate anthem to resilience and joy, which will be performed with live music for six performances on the Opening Night Gala and opening weekend.

May 15, 2024

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Presents Two Thrilling Programs At BAM (Brooklyn Academy Of Music), June 4-9, 2024

BROOKLYN, NY - May 15, 2024 - BAM is excited to welcome back the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrating its 65th anniversary, June 4-9, bringing its kinetic energy and dazzling technique with two exuberant programs: "Contemporary Visions" - featuring pieces by renowned choreographers Alonzo King, Jamar Roberts, and Hans van Manen; and "All Ailey" - which includes Ailey's must-see masterpiece, Revelations.

September 01, 2021

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Names Francesca Harper As Artistic Director Of The Ailey II Company

New York – September 1, 2021 – Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, announced today that internationally renowned performer, choreographer, director, and multi-disciplinary artist Francesca Harper has been appointed Artistic Director of Ailey II, the Ailey organization’s acclaimed company of young dancers. Ms. Harper will assume her duties on September 7, 2021, and will immediately begin preparing for Ailey II’s return to the stage. Ailey II’s 2021-2022 season will kick off in December with participation in Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual season at New York City Center, in which Ailey II will perform in Mr. Ailey’s classic Memoria, and will continue with the company’s own 2022 New York City season March 23-April 3 at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, as well as a U.S. tour.

Featured Press Coverage

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November 25, 2022

Ebony - 7 Iconic Alvin Ailey Dances That Should Be On Every Enthusiasts' Radar

Renowned choreographer Alvin Ailey started his namesake dance company back in 1958, and his work has remained timeless over the decades. Whether it’s the joyous celebration of Night Creature, the playful Pas de Duke, or his most revered masterpiece, Revelations, his work can be a transcendent experience that has filled the hearts and souls of audiences around the globe.

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December 04, 2019

WABC 7 - Celebrating 50 Years Of Alvin Ailey's Ailey School

In March of 1958, Alvin Ailey and a small group of dancers first performed at the 92nd street "Y" on the Upper West Side. Nine years later, he started the Ailey School. Now, 50 years later, the school continues celebrating Ailey's vision. "He could see almost the future in dance, and what he did, he did with such heart and honesty and love that it still is alive today," co-director Tracy Inman said. And it shapes these dancers are both personally and professionally. Young people from all over the world go there to learn and perfect their craft. Guided by Mr. Ailey's mission that dance is for everybody, the young people pour every ounce of their souls and bodies into their craft. The Alley School has trained 75% of the current members of the first company.

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February 01, 2019

Vanity Fair - Good Company

A dinner-and-dance homage paid tribute to Alvin Ailey, as his company turns 60, at this season's opening gala in New York.