Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicked off its five-week holiday engagement at New York City Center November 29 with an opening night gala benefit performance and party. Queen Latifah and Janelle Monáe served as honorary chairs for the evening honoring Ailey Board President Debra L. Lee.
The gala raised over $2.4 million in support of the creation of new works, scholarships to The Ailey School, and Ailey’s extensive educational programs for young people.
The “Modern American Songbook” program featured performances set to music by icons Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Earth, Wind & Fire. The performance concluded with Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, performed with live musicians and singers.
Flip through photos of the performance and party below:
See Queen Latifah, Cicely Tyson, and More at Alvin Ailey’s Opening Night Gala
For more on Alvin Ailey’s New York City Center season, including three world premieres and new productions, visit AlvinAiley.org.
