Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Returns to Berkeley With Seven New Bay Area Premieres

The renowned dance company's first Bay Area run under new artistic director Alicia Graf Mack features a mix of contemporary works and company classics.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:28pm

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of shimmering sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, capturing the luxurious textures and dramatic lighting of a live dance performance.The vibrant energy and high-fashion glamour of Alvin Ailey's return to Berkeley will captivate audiences at Zellerbach Hall.Berkeley Today

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is bringing its acclaimed repertoire to UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall from April 7-12, featuring seven Bay Area premieres alongside revivals of Alvin Ailey's "Revelations" and Ronald K. Brown's "Grace." The weeklong residency, the company's first under new artistic director Alicia Graf Mack, will showcase a mix of intimate, narrative-driven pieces and the company's signature big-room spiritual finales.

Why it matters

Alvin Ailey's return to Berkeley is a highly anticipated event, as the company has a long history of performances at Zellerbach Hall and deep connections to Bay Area audiences. The program highlights both the company's stewardship of Ailey's legacy and its commitment to showcasing new choreographic voices, reflecting the vision of the recently appointed Graf Mack.

The details

The four-program run includes five 2025 works making their Bay Area premieres: Jamar Roberts' "Song of the Anchorite," Matthew Neenan's "Difference Between," Maija García's "Jazz Island," Frederick Earl Mosley's "Embrace," and "The Holy Blues." They will be joined by Medhi Walerski's "Blink of an Eye" and a new production of Judith Jamison's "A Case of You." The programs will shuffle these premieres alongside Ailey's iconic "Revelations" and Brown's "Grace."

  • The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater residency will take place April 7-12, 2026 at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall.
  • The company will present multiple evening and matinee performances throughout the week, with repertory rotated across four different programs.

The players

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

A renowned modern dance company founded in 1958 that celebrates African-American cultural heritage and the human spirit through the power of dance.

Alicia Graf Mack

The new artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, appointed in July 2025, who is curating the company's first Bay Area run under her leadership.

Matthew Rushing

The associate artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, who co-curated the Berkeley residency with Alicia Graf Mack.

Judith Jamison

A towering figure in Ailey history and a mentor to generations inside the company, whose choreographic work "A Case of You" will be revived as part of the Berkeley program.

Ronald K. Brown

The choreographer whose work "Grace" will be performed as part of the Ailey company's Berkeley residency.

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What’s next

Tickets for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater residency at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall are available through the Cal Performances box office and the Ailey event listing. Castings and prices are subject to change, so audiences are encouraged to check the company's event page for the full schedule and ticketing details before attending.

The takeaway

Alvin Ailey's return to Berkeley marks an exciting new chapter for the renowned dance company under the leadership of Alicia Graf Mack. The program's mix of contemporary works and company classics reflects the company's commitment to honoring its legacy while also embracing new artistic voices, promising an engaging and thought-provoking experience for Bay Area audiences.