Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Mixed Bill

5 – 16 September

Against a warm orange background, a dancer with brown skin and long braids turns her face upwards.

Experience America’s most popular dance company when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings its unique mix of contemporary and classic movement to the London stage. The Company dazzles with technical brilliance and palpable energy, bringing audiences to their feet at every performance.

Marvel at their skill. Feel their passion. And connect to the heart of dance with Ailey.

Kindly supported by Blavatnik Family Foundation.

“A soulful, sexy knockout.”★★★★★ THE TIMES

“Extraordinary soul-stirring dance.”

“It’s dancefloors and dates, love, friendship and family, the contemporary Black American experience.”★★★★★ THE GUARDIAN

“The world’s most exciting dance company bring the house down.”★★★★ THE TELEGRAPH

Play trailer

Programme

Two black men extend arms and leg in high arabesque

Modern Masters

Wed 6 Sep at 7.30pm
Thu 7 Sep at 2.30pm
Sat 9 Sep at 7.30pm
Tue 12 Sep at 7.30pm
Wed 13 Sep at 7.30pm
Sat 16 Sep at 2.30pm

Roy’s Joys by Twyla Tharp
Dancing Spirit by Ronald K. Brown
Revelations by Alvin Ailey

Modern Masters

A group of dancers perform on stage. They wear white vests and black trousers with suspenders.

Contemporary Voices

Tue 5 Sep at 7.30pm
Sun 10 Sep at 2pm
Sat 16 Sep at 7.30pm

For Four by Robert Battle
Unfold by Robert Battle
Are You In Your Feelings by Kyle Abraham
Revelations by Alvin Ailey

Contemporary Voices

Nine dancers of colour stand close in a circle of light, arms raised in wide overlapping

Ailey Classics

Thu 7 Sep at 7.30pm
Sat 9 Sep at 2.30pm
Wed 13 Sep at 2.30pm
Fri 15 Sep at 7.30pm

The River by Alvin Ailey
Pas de Duke by Alvin Ailey
Cry by Alvin Ailey
Revelations by Alvin Ailey

Ailey Classics

A group of twelve men and women all reaching up with their right arms.

21st Century Creations

Fri 8 Sep at 7.30pm
Thu 14 Sep at 7.30pm

For Four by Robert Battle
Unfold by Robert Battle
In a Sentimental Mood by Jamar Roberts
Are You In Your Feelings by Kyle Abraham

21st Century Creations

About Alvin Ailey

Experience the legacy of this iconic dancer, director, choreographer and activist.

Alvin Ailey is a powerhouse of American dance. His career began in a time when opportunities for African American dancers were limited, but he strived to create a space for Black artists to express their experiences and heritage. Founded in 1958, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was one of the first companies to welcome dancers of all races and backgrounds.

When Ailey began creating dances, he drew upon his “blood memories” of the South, blues, spirituality, and gospel as inspiration. He is best known for his master work, Revelations, which has been seen in 71 countries and by more than 25 million people, with audience members ranging from Oprah to Obama.

When Ailey died on 1 December 1989, The New York Times said of him:

You didn’t need to have known [him] personally to have been touched by his humanity, enthusiasm, and exuberance and his courageous stand for multi-racial brotherhood.

[Image description] Against a warm orange background, a dancer with brown skin and long braids turns her face upwards, while the golden silk of her full skirt billows towards us, filling the right hand side of the image.