Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Opening Night Gala

About the Event

On Wednesday, December 2, 2026, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater launches its 2026–27 New York City Center season with the highly anticipated Opening Night Gala, helmed by Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, with multiple Grammy Award-winning artist SZA and Award–winning filmmakers Tonya Lee and Spike Lee as Honorary Chairs. The evening will feature an excerpt of the new production of Judith Jamison’s Hymn and Jamar Roberts’ Power of Love, a celebration of R&B legend Luther Vandross that brings his iconic hits to life, in recognition of what would have been his 75th birthday. Dinner and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom will immediately follow. Proceeds from the Gala support the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, including the creation of new works, scholarships for talented students at The Ailey School, and AILEY’s innovative outreach programs for people of all ages. 

Venue

Ziegfeld Ballroom 141 W 54th St New York, NY 10019