Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Modern dance company in Manhattan, United States
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a dance company in New York City that performs works combining classical ballet, modern dance, and African American cultural traditions. The troupe regularly takes the stage at New York City Center and shares its performances with thousands of visitors each year.
The company was founded in 1958 by choreographer Alvin Ailey, who started with seven dancers and built it into an internationally recognized dance organization. From these modest beginnings, it grew to become one of America's most influential dance institutions.
The company maintains a collection of nearly three hundred works from many choreographers, with a strong focus on African American movement traditions and musical styles that come alive in each performance.
The organization offers dance training programs through The Ailey School, including partnerships with Fordham University for Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Visitors should plan ahead, as performances often sell out and offerings vary by season.
The theater received the National Medal of Arts in 2002 and was designated by Congress as Cultural Ambassador to the World. This recognition reflects its role in spreading dance innovation and cultural exchange around the globe.
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