Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returned to New York City Center from December 3, 2025 through January 4, 2026, marking a milestone season and the beginning of a new era under Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. The five-week holiday engagement continued one of New York’s most enduring cultural traditions, long associated with the company’s annual home at City Center and its role as the theater’s Principal Dance Company, combining repertory favorites with new works that reflect the company’s forward momentum.

As the Principal Dance Company of New York City Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opened its inaugural season led by Mack with a balance of legacy and invention. Audiences experienced beloved classics by Alvin Ailey, including the iconic Revelations, alongside a slate of premieres by contemporary choreographers shaping the company’s future.

World Premieres and New Works

The 2025–26 New York City Center season featured five world premieres, a company premiere, and a new production, reinforcing Ailey’s global presence on stages such as the Auditorium Theatre Chicago and New Jersey Performing Arts Center:

• Jazz Island by Maija García — A Caribbean folktale inspired by Geoffrey Holder’s Black Gods, Green Islands, set to an original score by jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles, exploring spiritual connection across the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.
• Embrace by Fredrick Earl Mosley — A contemporary reflection on human connection, set to popular music by Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Maxwell, Ed Sheeran, and Des’ree.

  

• Difference Between by Matthew Neenan — Neenan’s company debut, featuring raw and expressive music by singer-composer Heather Christian, examining tension, grief, and intimacy.

  

• Song of the Anchorite by Jamar Roberts — A reimagining of Alvin Ailey’s Hermit Songs, danced to jazz trumpeter Avishai Cohen’s interpretation of a Ravel adagio.
• The Holy Blues by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Samantha Figgins, and Chalvar Monteiro — Inspired by Alvin Ailey’s journals, Ring Shout traditions, and the Door of No Return, with a score drawing from gospel and blues.

The season also included the company premiere of Blink of an Eye by Medhi Walerski, set to music by J.S. Bach, and a new production of A Case of You, choreographed by Judith Jamison and danced to Diana Krall’s interpretation of the Joni Mitchell classic.

Signature Works and Special Programs

At the heart of the season was Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations, recognized by organizations including PBS and the Library of Congress as a landmark of American modern dance. Revelations, performed throughout the run, including special live music performances during opening week, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Additional curated programs included:

• Ailey Classics — Highlights from the company’s historic repertory
• All New — Programs spotlighting the season’s premieres
• Ailey & Jamison Tribute — Works honoring Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison
• Family Matinees — Saturday performances followed by post-show Q&A sessions with company dancers

The season opened with a one-night-only Opening Night Gala, honoring AILEY Board Chair Daria L. Wallach, featuring an all-live music program and a special appearance by five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz artist Samara Joy.

About Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack

A former Ailey dancer and protégée of Judith Jamison, Alicia Graf Mack leads the company into its next chapter after a distinguished career on stage and as the first Black Dean and Director of the Dance Division at The Juilliard School. Her career includes collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Jon Batiste. Her appointment signals continuity with Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy while expanding the company’s artistic vision.

Additional Information

Follow Ailey on Instagram and YouTube for seasonal highlights. and online at www.alvinailey.org.