Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is opening its 2026-27 season with serious star power. SZA, Spike Lee and Tonya Lee will serve as honorary chairs for the opening night gala on Dec. 2 at New York City Center, launching a five-week holiday run through Jan. 3, 2027.
The gala’s centerpiece is the world premiere of Power of Love, a one-night-only dance tribute to Luther Vandross choreographed by Jamar Roberts. Expect his biggest hits woven through the performance, including“Never Too Much,”“Here and Now,”“Dance With My Father”and“A House Is Not a Home.”The premiere lands just weeks after Vandross’s Rock&Roll Hall of Fame induction on Nov. 14, and the evening also brings back an excerpt of Judith Jamison’s Emmy-winning tribute Hymn after nearly 15 years.
For SZA, the night is personal. She and her mother attend Alvin Ailey every year for Mother’s Day, and she credits Revelations with shaping both of their lives. Proceeds from the gala support the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, funding new works and student scholarships.
What’s a tradition you share with a parent that you’d never trade? Tell us in the comments.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
