Oprah Helps Celebrate Alvin Ailey's 50th

by CHRISTOPHER CONFESSORE · December 4, 2008

    [Judith Jamison, Oprah Winfrey, Jessye Norman. Photo by ZACH HYMAN for PMc]

    The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre kicked off its month-long 50th Anniversary Celebration with a gala opening last night at New York City Center, hosted by Artistic Director Judith Jamison, Board Chair Joan Weill and Honorary Chair Oprah Winfrey. The celebration included performances from students of the Ailey School and the current Troupe, with a special performance of Ailey’s famous "Revelations" with live music sung by guests Darius de Haas, Lalah Hathaway, Ella Mitchell, Jessye Norman, Billy Porter, and Richard Smallwood.

    More story and photos below:

    Other guests and supporters included: Rev. Jesse Jackson, NY First Lady Michelle Paterson, Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Gayle King, Simin and Herb Allison, Susan Fales Hill, dancer/actor Geoffrey Holder and Carmen De Lavallade, Phillip and Patricia Laskawy, Deborah Roberts, Soledad O'Brien, Andre Leon Talley, Brenda Blackmon, Glorya Kaufman, Carolyn Baker, Ron Reed, and Hope Boykin.

    Alvin Ailey Dancers

    Michelle Paterson, Deborah Roberts

    Glorya Kaufman, Carolyn Baker, Ron Reed, and Hope Boykin

    Mark Badgley, James Mischka, Geoffrey Holder and Carmen De Lavallade

    Constance Stalatiou, Courtney Corbin