Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will return to New York City Center for its annual holiday engagement Dec. 2, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, bringing five weeks of performances, premieres and beloved works to the New York stage.
Led by Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, the season will feature 32 world-class dancers performing works by contemporary choreographers alongside celebrated pieces from the company’s rich history.
The season will open with an Opening Night Gala on Dec. 2, featuring a 6:30 p.m. performance followed by a dinner-dance celebration at Ziegfeld Ballroom. The program will include the world premiere of Jamar Roberts’ Power of Love, a new ballet inspired by the music of legendary R&B vocalist Luther Vandross.
Created in collaboration with Primary Wave Music and the Luther Vandross Estate, Power of Love celebrates what would have been Vandross’ 75th birthday. Roberts’ choreography will be paired with Vandross’ music, with costumes designed by Andre Gerard Michel Jr. of Landeros New York. Marcus Miller, Ron Gillyard and Reginald Hudlin are also involved in developing the production, with Miller and Gillyard working on the music.
The season will introduce another world premiere with Yue Yin’s A Matter of Time, which incorporates Yin’s signature FoCo Technique, rooted in Chinese ethnic folk movement, with music by Javanese group Raja Kirik.
Ailey will also present its company premiere of William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, a high-energy work originally created for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1987.
The season will bring back Judith Jamison’s Emmy Award-winning Hymn, a tribute to Alvin Ailey that combines powerful choreography, personal reflections and percussive music. The work returns to the company’s repertory after nearly 15 years.
A new production of Ailey’s Pas de Duke will also be featured. The modern dance interpretation of a classical pas de deux originally premiered 50 years ago as a showcase for Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Additional programming includes All New, All Ailey and Ailey & Jamison Tribute. Saturday family matinees will conclude with Ailey’s iconic Revelations, followed by a question-and-answer session with company dancers.
Three new dancers will join the company this season: Michael Cherry, Tyrone Reese and Mahalaya Tintiangco-Cubales.
Following an international tour through Europe, the company will embark on a North American tour visiting more than 20 cities from January through May 2027.
Tickets for the New York City Center season start at $45, including fees, and went on sale Sept. 8 at noon through the New York City Center box office, by phone at 212-581-1212, or through Ailey and New York City Center.