How do you honor the man who redefined modern dance with his iconic work based on “blood memories” of his childhood? The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City is celebrating a legendary artist with Edges of Ailey, the first large-scale museum exhibition delving into the life, dances, influences and enduring legacy of visionary artist and choreographer Alvin Ailey, in partnership with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Choreographer Bill T. Jones at Edges of Ailey. Image: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com.
Kicking off the momentous collection, the museum held an intimate dinner for celebrities, supporters, artists, dancers and members of the Whitney and AILEY organizations.
Vanessa Williams and Michelle Miller at Edges of Ailey. Image: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com.
The next evening, more than 500 people attended Edge of Ailey’s VIP opening party. On the museum’s fifth floor, guests immersed themselves in a staggering number of installations, curated by Adrienne Edwards, dedicated to Ailey’s work, mentors and muses. They enjoyed cocktails and a DJ set by April Hunt in the lobby.
“There are some things in life that are nearly impossible to capture or articulate—this is where art steps in. The Edges of Ailey exhibition at the Whitney Museum has exquisitely captured the legacy of Alvin Ailey, both as a man and a visionary artist,” said Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing.
‘I’ve devoted 32 years of my life to AILEY, and I’ve never seen Mr. Ailey’s legacy expressed in the way Adrienne Edwards has through her curation of Edges of Ailey.”
Sylvia Waters at Edges of Ailey. Image: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com.
Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters, a close confidante of Ailey’s, shared her thoughts. “Seeing the Edges of Ailey exhibition and hearing his voice throughout the gallery had an immediate and profound emotional impact on me. It has been a joy to see all of his accomplishments come to life in this immersive exhibit, making Mr. Ailey’s genius as a dancer, choreographer and director feel so accessible. Adrienne Edwards’ incredible deep dive beautifully brings to life the essence of Mr. Ailey, his universality and influence on American culture.”
Alvin Ailey. Image: Jack Vartoogian for Getty Images.
On December 4, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will host its opening night gala for its upcoming season, celebrating “Legacy in Motion.” The gala will feature a live musical performance by Leslie Odom, Jr. and the 25th-anniversary new production of Ronald K. Brown’s Grace.
Edges of Ailey opens to the public today.
