Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is set to return to New York City Center for its annual holiday engagement with an exciting lineup of world premieres, beloved classics, and special tributes celebrating dance, music, and cultural legacy. Running from Dec. 2 through Jan. 3, 2027, the five-week season marks Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack’s latest chapter in leading one of the world’s most celebrated dance companies.
Among the season’s biggest highlights is the world premiere of Power of Love, an original ballet by acclaimed choreographer Jamar Roberts inspired by the music of legendary R&B icon Luther Vandross. Created in partnership with Primary Wave Music and the Luther Vandross Estate, the production celebrates what would have been the singer’s 75th birthday through a vibrant blend of movement and some of his most beloved songs.
Marcus Miller and Ron Gillyard are collaborating on the musical arrangements, bringing new life to Vandross’ timeless catalog. The Grammy-winning artist, who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2026, remains one of the most influential voices in R&B history.
The season opens with a gala celebration on Dec. 2 featuring the debut of Power of Love alongside excerpts from Hymn, Judith Jamison’s Emmy Award-winning tribute to Alvin Ailey. Returning to the repertory for the first time in nearly 15 years, Hymn honors the company’s founder through powerful ensemble work and intimate storytelling.
Ailey audiences will also experience a world premiere by choreographer Yue Yin, whose signature FoCo Technique combines Chinese folk dance influences with contemporary movement to explore themes of resilience and collective strength.
For the first time, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform William Forsythe’s groundbreaking ballet In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, becoming the first modern dance company to present the influential 1987 work. The season also includes a newly staged production of Alvin Ailey’s playful Pas de Duke, set to the music of Duke Ellington.
Fan favorites remain an essential part of the holiday tradition, including Ronald K. Brown’s uplifting Grace and Alvin Ailey’s iconic masterpiece Revelations, which closes every Family Matinee performance.
The company will also welcome three new dancers this season: Michael Cherry, formerly of Complexions Contemporary Ballet; Tyrone Reese, previously dance captain on the national tour of MJ: The Musical; and Juilliard graduate Mahalaya Tintiangco-Cubales.
Tickets for the highly anticipated holiday season go on sale Sept. 8, with performances at New York City Center beginning Dec. 2. Before returning home, the company will embark on an international tour across Europe followed by a coast-to-coast North American tour in 2027, continuing Alvin Ailey’s enduring mission of celebrating the beauty, power, and humanity of dance.