Gala Co-Chair Daria L. Wallach, Honorary Chair Queen Latifah, Gala Honoree Debra Lee, and Art. Dir. Robert Battle
Alvin Ailey credo was “Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and it should always be delivered back to the people”. On the evening of November 29th, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrated with the “Modern American Songbook” Opening Night Gala benefit performance and party honoring Board President Debra L. Lee in Manhattan.
Executive Director Bennett Rink & Honoree & Board President Debra Lee
The star studded evening began with the red carpet arrivals of to Sheinelle Jones, Cicely Tyson, Susan Taylor, Judith Jamison, Elain Wynn, Bevy Smith, , Susan Fales Hill and Lara Spencer to City Center for a one night only performance of the best of the winter repertoire.
Honorary Chair Queen Latifah
Janet Mock
Lara Spencer & guest
AAADT's Chalvar Monteiro, Kanji Segawa, Fana Tesfagiorgis & Solomon Dumas
Artistic Director Robert Battle honored Ailey Board President Debra L. Lee for her dedication to the success of the Ailey organization for 15 years. Chairman and CEO of BET Networks Ms. Lee is committed to the advancement of arts and culture.
AAADT in George Faison's Suite Otis
Honorary Gala co-chair Superstar Queen Latifah introduced the soulful works from the “Modern American Songbook". The dynamic set featured brilliant choreography by Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, Rennie Harris, David Parsons and Camille Brown to music from icons Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Ray Charles and Earth,Wind & Fire.
AAADT's Linda Celeste Sims and Glenn Allen Sims
Honorary Chair Janelle Monae
Honorary Gala cochair music and film star Janelle Monae introduced Alvin Ailey's masterpiece, “Revelations" with live music.The dance troupe, Robert Battle and Associate Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya received a well deserved standing ovation.
AAADT in Alvin Ailey's Revelations
Guests chasse over to the New York Hilton for a candlelight seated diner and dancing with artistic director Robert Battle and the talented dance troupe. Gala Co- Chairs Deedra and Bob Bakish, Emily and Len Blavatnik, Paulette and Howard Bradnock, and Daria L. And Erich Wallach welcomed everyone to the Hilton Grand Ballroom.
Artistic Director Robert Battle with Elaine and Gillian Wynn
Dinner guests noshed on roasted chicken breast sand risotto tartine with cranberries, chestnuts, and squash and mustard greens followed by a milk chocolate tart with blood orange compote. Idell Family Vineyards provided vintage wines for each table. Intermittently everyone took to the dance floor with for dancing with a live band.
Susan Taylor & Cicely Tyson
Congratulations to gala sponsors Emily and Len Blavatnik, BNY Mellon, Debra L. Lee / BET Networks, Viacom, Daria L. And Eric Wallach, Joan & Sandy Weill and The Weill Family Foundation for a magnificent celebration. The gala benefit netted 2.4 Million dollars to support the creation of new works, scholarships to the Ailey School and Ailey’s educational programs for children.
Michael Francis McBride, Marc Strachan, Strachan's daughters & Almaz Strachan
The holiday performance season for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater of new works, premieres and Ailey classics at City Center continues till the New Years Eve's finale.