The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opened its five-week season and celebrated its 50th anniversary Wednesday night with a ceremony at the City Center and a dinner for 1,270 guests at the Sheraton New York. Among the huge crowd were Soledad O’Brien, Alvin Ailey honorary chair Oprah Winfrey, and New York’s first lady, Michelle Paterson
Yearlong festivities to celebrate Ailey’s five decades of prominence in contemporary dance culminated with speeches, a retrospective film, and several performances. Dancers treated the crowd to the works “Masekela Language,” “Blues Suite,” and the late founder’s signature piece, “Revelations.” When guests departed for the gala down the block, the final routine followed as the inspiration for the ballroom’s decor.
Produced under the leadership of Alvin Ailey director of special events and development initiatives Quay R. Whitlock and designed by David Stark, the event incorporated hundreds of umbrellas like the one used as a prop in “Revelations.” Each of the white umbrellas, placed in different positions and heights, anchored the tables and covered the north wall of the Sheraton’s Metropolitan Ballroom, where some were arranged in the shape of the number 50. There was also, of course, a dance floor for anyone brave enough to cut loose in front of the professionals.
The golden anniversary has been an opportunity for the dance theater to reassert its relevance as a cultural ambassador with strategic partnerships and branding opportunities. Badgley Mischka designed custom gowns for the female dancers to wear at the gala, and Sean Jean provided suits for the men in the company. Something Ailey should get much more mileage out of, however, is the new doll inspired the dancers.
Earlier this fall, Mattel released an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Barbie doll. The toy maker’s first product inspired by a dance company, the doll was designed by Ailey artistic director Judith Jamison and has six points of articulation—another first for Barbie. The doll is already available at some Target stores, and for guests who hadn’t had the chance to see them yet, another 50 figure near the entrance to the ballroom was constructed from hundreds of the tiny dancer.
