Judith Jamison Receives BET Honors Award

On January 17, Artistic Director Judith Jamison receives the BET Honors award in Washington, DC. The BET Honors pay tribute to the lives and achievements of leading African American luminaries.

On their first night out after moving into the White House, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters enjoy Ailey’s sold-out performance at the Kennedy Center.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center celebrates the Company’s 50th year with Alvin Ailey Film Day, an all-day event offering four programs of rare archival material and television documentaries. Additionally, The Film Society’s Frieda and Roy Furman gallery hosts “Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The First 50 Years,” an exhibit of international performance posters, throughout the month of February.

A Young Dancer: The Life of an Ailey Student, by arts writer Valerie Gladstone with photos by José Ivey, is published.

The Arts & Business Council of New York honors Ailey and its corporate sponsor Diageo with a 2009 Encore Award, celebrating excellence in arts/business partnerships.

Thousands of dance enthusiasts fill New York’s Bryant Park for a free performance by Ailey II as part of the Bryant Park Festival.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater begins a year-long celebration of Judith Jamison’s 20th anniversary as Artistic Director.