Press Coverage

February 25, 2023

Ebony - New York State Launches Travel Initiative To Increase Black Tourism

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the “I Love NY” Black travel initiative, which is designed to grow tourism and encourage Black travel in New York State, during a presentation at the Joan Weill Center for Dance in New York City, home of the famed dance organization founded by Alvin Ailey. Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle gave remarks, followed by a performance from the Ailey School.

February 24, 2023

CBS 2 NY - New "I Love New York" campaign focuses on African American culture, history and activism

NEW YORK -- Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a tourism campaign highlighting Black History Month. The Alvin Ailey Student Dance Group kicked off the celebration Friday morning in Midtown, showcasing the importance of culture in New York. Hochul said the new "I Love New York" tourism campaign focuses on African American culture, history and activism. "We'll shine a light on abolition, the Underground Railroad, the civil rights movement, Black Lives Matter and beyond," said Hochul. "This building is where we come together to create dance that inspires, educates and unites," said Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance artistic director.

September 29, 2022

Dance Teacher - The Ailey School’s Ana Marie Forsythe Is on a Mission to Share Horton Technique With the Next Generation

International master teacher Ana Marie Forsythe has devoted nearly 50 years of her life documenting the Lester Horton technique in an effort to preserve it. “Dance has given me gifts that I never realized were possible when I took my first plié,” she says. “I enjoy sharing my breadth of knowledge of the Lester Horton technique because it has been a real gift to me, and I believe we should share our gifts with others.”

March 21, 2022

Broadway World - Dancer Spotlight: Hannah Alissa Richardson Of Ailey II Performing At The Ailey Citigroup Theater 3/23 To 4/3

First-year Ailey II member Hannah Alissa Richardson will join, the celebrated second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as they return to their home, The Ailey Citigroup Theater, for a highly anticipated two-week season featuring 10 performances from March 23 to April 3. In the first New York Season led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, the gifted 12-member ensemble will showcase their artistry in three programs featuring premieres and returning favorites: Dichotomous, New Lens and Pulse, as well as the special celebrating Robert Battle's 10th anniversary program paying homage to his visionary leadership and Ailey journey, which began in 1999 choreographing Mood Indigo for the second company. Broadwayworld had the pleasure of interviewing Hannah Alissa Richardson about her career and the upcoming performances by Ailey II.

February 17, 2022

The New York Beacon - Francesca Harper Is Changing The Trajectory Of The Ailey II Company New York

Francesca Harper, internationally renowned performer, choreographer, director, and multi-disciplinary artist, has changed the trajectory of The Ailey II Company New York after being tapped by Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, to lead the renowned dance company in the 21st century. Harper assumed the duties of Artistic Director of Ailey II, the Ailey organization's acclaimed company of young dancers September 7, 2021, and immediately started preparing for Ailey II's return to the stage.

May 01, 2021

Dance Magazine - Best Of Both Worlds

For years, young dancers fresh out of high school who wanted to continue their training were faced with a choice: Join a trainee program or enroll as a dance major at a four-year university. Nowadays, the options are vast, ranging from one-year postgraduate training programs and second company positions to unique partnerships between lauded dance academies and colleges. As attitudes around dancers going to college have shifted, aspiring professionals now have a host of paths to choose from.

October 01, 2020

PBS Thirteen - NYC ARTS Profile: Spirit Of Ailey

A celebration of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and its educational mission, featuring dancer Solomon Dumas.

June 17, 2020

The Fordham Observer - Dancing Queen: Courtney Celeste Spears' Journey From Artists To Businesswoman

Dancer, actress, model, writer, entrepreneur, teacher and now businesswoman: Courtney Celeste Spears, Fordham College at Lincoln Center '16, is a master at turning her dreams into reality and is determined to use her platform to change the world.

June 12, 2020

Vogue - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Hosted Its Spirit Gala Online — And You Can Watch It Through June 18

This spring has seen ballet leap into the digital world... Hosted last night on YouTube, the night raised funds for the Ailey company as well as the Equal Justice Initiative (a non-profit organization providing legal representation to the wrongly convicted and the disadvantaged). The night would bring a world premiere, archival footage of one of Mr. Ailey’s first-ever performances, and an expanded reimagining of Revelations. With cameos and kind words delivered by Ailey fans like Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom, Jr., Timothy Shriver (whose own daughter was student at The Ailey School), Angela Bassett, and more, it was a celebration of the dance company’s rich history and a moment of much-needed togetherness in honor of Black Lives Matter.

March 06, 2020

ELLE.com - The Ailey School's Tribute To Judy Chicago's 'The Dinner Party' Will Move You Into The Weekend

When Judy Chicago debuted her now-iconic feminist art installation The Dinner Party 40 years ago, everyone had thoughts—it was striking and powerful piece to some, and controversial to others. Featuring a large triangular table with 39 dinner plate settings, the piece served as a tribute to women Chicago believed deserved a seat at the table and quickly became her most recognized and praised body of work. In honor of International Women's Day and the 40th anniversary of The Dinner Party, Chicago joined forces with The Ailey School to honor the 39 pioneering figures through another art form: dance.