The offerings span coast-to-coast performances, hands-on workshops, complimentary classes and educational resources for students and teachers. Each initiative reflects the legacy of founder Alvin Ailey, whose groundbreaking work changed the landscape of American modern dance.
1. Live performances across America
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater launches its 2026 US Tour this month, visiting 20 cities nationwide under the leadership of Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. The tour begins with 11 performances at the Warner Theatre in Washington DC from January 30 through February 8, featuring 32 artists presenting five world premieres including works by Fredrick Earl Mosley, Matthew Neenan and Maija Garcia.
The company travels to Atlanta’s Fox Theatre for six performances from February 11-15, followed by stops in Auburn, Nashville, Chapel Hill and Philadelphia through early March. The tour continues through spring with performances in Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago before concluding at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in June.
Meanwhile, Ailey II continues its tour with February performances across nine cities including Malibu, Chandler and Asheville. Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, the emerging company presents four world premieres alongside classics like the timeless Revelations. The troupe returns to New York for eight performances at the Joyce Theater from March 17-22.
2. Interactive workshop experiences
The annual Ailey Experience Tour celebrates its 20th year of bringing dance education directly to communities. The weekend workshops begin in Atlanta on January 31, partnering with AREA Atlanta to teach participants ages 8 and up about Alvin Ailey’s choreographic style and its impact on American modern dance.
The tour visits Charlotte from February 7-8, Detroit on February 21-22 and Houston from February 28 through March 1. Former Ailey Company members travel from New York to lead technique classes in a welcoming, non-competitive environment. Additional cities including Denver, New Orleans, Washington DC and Las Vegas join the schedule through spring 2026.
3. Free and accessible dance classes
Ailey Extension offers multiple opportunities to participate in dance styles rooted in the African diaspora. Special Black History Month workshops include a Line Dance Workshop with Pilin Anice on February 6 and a Swing Workshop with Samuel Coleman on February 28, both held at the Joan Weill Center for Dance.
Weekly classes in hip hop, house, West African, Afro-Cuban and dancehall remain available seven days a week, accessible both in-studio and online via Zoom. The organization partners with the Whitney Museum to present beginner-friendly pop-up dance classes during Free Friday Nights throughout February, starting with a Hip Hop Cardio session led by Matthew Johnson Harris on February 6.
4. Educational resources for schools
Ailey Arts In Education has launched the Finding Grace curriculum in collaboration with 92NY Dance Education Laboratory and choreographer Ronald K. Brown. The program uses Brown’s masterwork Grace as inspiration for elementary through high school students to explore movement creation and cultural literacy.
Free resources for educators become available on the Ailey website starting January 26, featuring instructional videos and interviews. Dance educators can also apply for the Ailey Teacher Certification Program through February 27, earning credentials to teach the Horton technique that formed the foundation of many Ailey works.
5. Documentary streaming access
Portrait of Ailey, an eight-chapter documentary about the founder’s life and career, streams free on the Ailey website and PBS LearningMedia. Conceived by Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters, the series combines rare archival footage with interviews and historical images. Educators can access downloadable discussion materials and curriculum tools to incorporate the documentary into classroom lessons.
The comprehensive February programming demonstrates Ailey’s commitment to sharing African American cultural heritage while making dance education accessible to diverse audiences nationwide.
Source: Ailey via Esther Akutekha
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