Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater enters its final two weeks at New York City Center. The annual holiday engagement concludes on January 4, 2026. Special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve programs highlight the remaining performances. Audiences have a final opportunity to view this season’s world premieres.
The legendary dance company will present the signature masterpiece Revelations multiple times. Nine remaining chances exist to experience this timeless work before year-end. Following the New York residency, the company embarks on a 20-city national tour. The tour begins January 30 in Washington, D.C., and continues through May 2026.
Christmas Eve Features Two Distinct Holiday Programs
The Wednesday, December 24 schedule offers performances designed for holiday audiences. The 2 p.m. “Ailey Classics” matinee showcases founder Alvin Ailey’s repertory selections. The program concludes with the timeless Revelations as its grand finale. This matinee provides a curated journey through the company’s foundational works.
The 7:30 p.m. “All New” evening program focuses on the season’s latest additions. Audiences will experience The Holy Blues, a collaboration by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Samantha Figgins, and Chalvar Monteiro. Medhi Walerski’s Blink of an Eye also features in this contemporary program. The evening includes Judith Jamison’s A Case of You and Fredrick Earl Mosley’s Embrace.
New Year’s Celebrations Showcase World Premieres and Innovation
A New Year’s Eve matinee takes place Wednesday, December 31 at 2 p.m. The company presents an “All New” program on January 1 at 7:30 p.m. to ring in 2026. This special performance features four world premieres in a single evening. The lineup demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and new voices.
Maija GarcÃa’s theatrical Jazz Island opens the New Year’s program. Matthew Neenan’s Difference Between explores contemporary movement vocabularies. Jamar Roberts’ Song of the Anchorite adds spiritual depth to the evening. Fredrick Earl Mosley’s Embrace returns for an encore performance, completing this groundbreaking lineup.
Family-Friendly Saturday Matinee Includes Q&A Session
The Saturday, December 27 matinee specifically targets families with young dance enthusiasts. The program features the season premiere of Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs. Elisa Monte’s Treading complements this meaningful work beautifully. Both pieces offer accessible entry points for newer dance audiences.
Following the performance, audience members can participate in a special opportunity. A question-and-answer session with Ailey dancers provides behind-the-scenes insights. Families gain understanding of the dancers’ training, experiences, and artistic processes. This interactive element enhances appreciation for the art form significantly.
Final Weekend Offers Multiple Chances to Experience Signature Works
The New York City Center performances conclude Sunday, January 4 with two programs. The 2 p.m. matinee includes Jazz Island and Alonzo King’s Following the Subtle Current Upstream. King’s work brings a distinctive contemporary voice to the afternoon program. The combination showcases the company’s stylistic range effectively.
The 7 p.m. finale offers a final look at Blink of an Eye. Jamar Roberts’ Song of the Anchorite returns for closing weekend audiences. Both programs will close with the grand finale of Revelations. This iconic work continues to anchor the company’s identity and mission.
Chance to Dance Initiative Makes Movement Accessible to All
The organization remains dedicated to Alvin Ailey’s mission to “give dance back to the people.” Making movement accessible to everyone drives their community programming efforts. Background or experience level creates no barriers to participation. The company actively works to democratize dance education.
The “Chance to Dance” initiative offers unique opportunities for first-time students. Participants at Ailey Extension can trade their performance ticket for two free classes. The Joan Weill Center for Dance hosts these accessible sessions. Students experience professional-level instruction in world-class facilities.
Diverse Class Offerings Span Global Dance Traditions
The curriculum covers an impressive range of styles from around the world. West African dance traditions meet Brazilian Samba in the schedule. The company’s signature Horton technique appears throughout major works and classes. Students gain exposure to the technical foundation underlying Ailey choreography.
Classes welcome participants regardless of previous dance training or fitness levels. Professional instructors adapt movements to accommodate various skill levels. This inclusive approach fulfills Ailey’s vision of universal access to dance. The program builds community while developing individual artistic expression.
Special Workshop Honors Alvin Ailey’s 95th Birthday
January 5 marks what would have been Alvin Ailey’s 95th birthday. A special workshop celebrates his enduring legacy and influence. Matthew Rushing will lead participants through contemporary movements personally. The session explores movements inspired by Ailey’s most celebrated choreographies.
Participants examine Ailey’s impact on the dance world and American history. The workshop serves as the grand finale of an extensive series. Current and former company members have taught classic steps throughout the season. Fans gain deeper understanding of Ailey’s revolutionary contributions to dance.
20-City National Tour Brings Ailey to Major Cultural Hubs
Following the New York residency, the company embarks on an ambitious tour. Twenty cities across America will host performances beginning January 30. Washington, D.C. serves as the tour’s opening location. The capital provides an appropriate starting point for this national journey.
Major cultural hubs including Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles appear on the itinerary. Each city offers audiences access to world-class contemporary dance performances. The tour democratizes access to elite artistic experiences nationwide. Regional audiences gain opportunities typically reserved for major metropolitan areas.
Tour Concludes Mother’s Day Weekend in Newark
The national tour continues through spring 2026 with consistent scheduling. Mother’s Day weekend performances at New Jersey Performing Arts Center conclude the tour. Newark provides the final stop for this extensive national journey. The May 2026 conclusion allows for rest before summer programming begins.
Complete schedules and ticket information remain available at ailey.org. The website provides detailed information about remaining New York performances. Tour dates and venues appear with ticket purchase options clearly listed. Fans can plan their Ailey experience whether in New York or on tour.
