Alvin Ailey in Atlanta: How to See, Learn, and Experience This Iconic Dance Company

If you’re searching for “Alvin Ailey Atlanta,” you’re probably looking for one of three things:

• When and where Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs in Atlanta
• How to take Ailey-style dance classes in or near the city
• How to get kids or teens involved with Ailey-affiliated education programs

This guide breaks down how Alvin Ailey connects with Atlanta, Georgia today—where performances usually happen, how to find upcoming shows, and what your options are if you want to dance or get your family involved.

Who Was Alvin Ailey – And Why It Matters in Atlanta

Alvin Ailey was a groundbreaking choreographer and founder of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, known for blending modern dance, ballet, jazz, and African American cultural traditions. His signature work, “Revelations,” is one of the most performed modern dance pieces in the world.

For Atlanta:

• The company tours here regularly, often bringing a mix of classic Ailey works and new choreography.
• Local studios and schools across the metro area use Ailey-inspired techniques and repertoire in modern, contemporary, and jazz classes.
• Ailey’s focus on access, education, and community lines up closely with Atlanta’s strong arts and culture scene, especially in Midtown and Downtown.

Where Alvin Ailey Performs in Atlanta

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater does not have a permanent Atlanta home, but it returns on tour. Historically, the company has appeared at:

Major Atlanta Venues That Commonly Host Alvin Ailey

These locations are not exclusive to Alvin Ailey, but they are strong places to check first when you’re trying to catch the company in Atlanta.

How to Find Upcoming Alvin Ailey Performances in Atlanta

Because tours change year to year, dates and venues shift. To see if Alvin Ailey is coming to Atlanta:

1. Check the Company’s Official Tour Schedule

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater usually posts a tour calendar with cities and venues. Search online for:

• “Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater tour schedule”
• “Alvin Ailey Atlanta dates”

Look for an Atlanta listing, then note:

• Venue name and address
• Performance dates and times
• Whether it’s Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater or Ailey II (the second company, also popular and high quality)

2. Search Directly by Atlanta Venues

Go to each major Atlanta performance venue’s “Events” or “Calendar” section and search for:

• “Alvin Ailey”
• “Ailey II”
• “Revelations” (often appears in program descriptions)

Useful places to check:

• Fox Theatre – Midtown
• Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
• Rialto Center for the Arts at GSU
• Spivey Hall (Clayton State University, Morrow) for related or modern dance events

3. Use Local Atlanta Arts Calendars

Atlanta-based arts listings sometimes highlight touring dance and Black arts programming. Search for:

• “Atlanta dance calendar”
• “Atlanta performing arts events”

Filter by the month you’re interested in. Alvin Ailey tours often come once a year or every few years, depending on the schedule.

Buying Tickets in Atlanta: Practical Tips

Once you’ve found an Alvin Ailey show in Atlanta:

Where to Buy

• Direct from the venue’s official box office (online or in person)
• By phone using the venue’s listed ticket office number
• From the company’s tour page, which usually links you back to the official seller

Buying from the official source helps you:

• Avoid unexpected service markups
• Reduce the chance of fake or invalid tickets
• See official seating charts and accessibility information

Price & Seating Considerations

For large venues like the Fox Theatre or Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre:

• Orchestra and front-center seats typically cost more but offer the clearest view of footwork and facial expressions.
• Mezzanine/Balcony can be more affordable and still give an excellent view of group formations and overall choreography.
• Weeknight shows sometimes have more availability than weekend shows.

If you need wheelchair-accessible seating or accommodations for low vision or hearing:

• Call the venue’s accessibility or box office line directly.
• Ask about companion seating, elevator access, and any assisted listening devices that might be available.

Ailey-Inspired Dance Classes and Training in Atlanta

If seeing Alvin Ailey makes you want to get up and dance, Atlanta has several ways to explore modern and contemporary dance in Ailey’s spirit, even though the official Ailey School is in New York.

1. University and College Dance Programs

Several Atlanta-area schools offer modern dance training that often references Ailey-era pioneers:

• Spelman College & Morehouse College (Atlanta University Center – West End)
  • Modern and African Diaspora–focused dance work is common in campus productions.
• Emory University Department of Theater Studies and Dance (201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322)
  • Offers modern, contemporary, and choreography courses with a strong focus on technique and performance.
• Kennesaw State University Department of Dance (Kennesaw, north of Atlanta)
  • Known for robust modern and contemporary programming; often participates in local festivals.

These are more formal, degree-oriented options but often host public performances, workshops, or labs that Ailey fans would appreciate.

2. Local Studios Offering Modern / Contemporary / Jazz

Look for studios in Midtown, Downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods that list:

• Modern dance
• Contemporary
• Jazz
• Horton technique (a technique Ailey famously used)

Common areas to search within the metro:

• Midtown / Ponce / Old Fourth Ward
• Decatur and East Atlanta
• West Midtown and Castleberry Hill
• Sandy Springs and Dunwoody

When you call or email, you can ask directly:

• “Do any of your instructors have Ailey training or experience?”
• “Do you teach Horton-based modern or other techniques connected to Alvin Ailey’s style?”
• “Are any of your teachers Ailey alumni or former Ailey II dancers?”

Studios may not market themselves as “Ailey studios,” but many modern teachers in Atlanta draw heavily from that lineage.

3. Community Centers and Cultural Organizations

In addition to private studios, check:

• The City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs for community-based dance classes and performances.
• Atlanta Dance & Music Academy–style centers and similar multi-discipline spaces that offer modern or jazz for:
  • Kids (ages 5–12)
  • Teens (middle and high school)
  • Adults (beginner to advanced)

These programs may offer more affordable entry points than private dance academies, and often emphasize community and cultural expression, which aligns well with Alvin Ailey’s mission.

Programs and Opportunities for Kids and Teens in Atlanta

Many Atlanta families search “Alvin Ailey Atlanta” to find serious dance training for children and teens, especially those interested in modern dance with Black cultural roots.

While the official Ailey School is based in New York, Atlanta parents can:

1. Look for Pre-Professional Modern/Contemporary Tracks

Some Atlanta studios and youth companies offer pre-professional programs that include:

• Multiple technique classes per week (ballet + modern + jazz)
• Performance opportunities
• Exposure to major choreographers and guest teachers

Ask about:

• Modern-based youth companies connected to Black dance traditions
• Annual concerts or showcases that might feature Ailey repertory excerpts or Ailey-inspired works

2. Summer Intensives and Workshops

Each year, Atlanta hosts summer dance intensives that:

• Bring in guest faculty with New York or major company backgrounds
• Focus on modern, contemporary, and jazz
• Sometimes highlight Ailey-style work or techniques influenced by it

Search by phrases like:

• “Atlanta modern dance summer intensive”
• “Atlanta youth dance intensive”
• “Atlanta contemporary dance camp”

Review schedules and age requirements to see if the program fits your child’s level and interests.

3. Pathways Toward Ailey’s Official School (From Atlanta)

If a student in Atlanta is serious about eventually training directly with the Ailey School in New York:

• Build a base in Atlanta through strong local training in ballet and modern.
• Watch for Ailey School auditions or master classes announced in the Southeast. Occasionally, large regional auditions or festivals in cities like Atlanta host Ailey-affiliated teachers.
• Consider short-term moves, summer programs, or online Ailey classes as a bridge between Atlanta training and New York opportunities.

What to Expect at an Alvin Ailey Performance in Atlanta

If you’re planning to go to an Alvin Ailey show at the Fox, Cobb Energy, or another Atlanta venue, here’s what most attendees can typically expect.

Program Style

A standard Ailey program often includes:

• One or two newer works by contemporary choreographers
• One classic Ailey piece, commonly “Revelations,” which many audiences consider the highlight

Some evenings offer mixed repertory, while others might focus on a specific choreographer.

Atmosphere

Atlanta audiences tend to be:

• Engaged and vocal, especially during big moments in “Revelations”
• Diverse in age and background—from long-time dance lovers to first-time theatergoers
• Dressed anywhere from business casual to dressy, especially for evening shows at the Fox Theatre

Clapping, cheering, and audible appreciation during powerful sections is common and welcome.

Timing and Logistics

A typical evening performance usually:

• Lasts around 2 hours, including an intermission
• Opens doors 30–60 minutes before curtain time

For venues in Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, plan for:

• Traffic on I-75/85/20, especially around rush hour
• Limited street parking close to the theater; paid garages are the norm
• Extra time if you’re using MARTA, walking from nearby stations like North Avenue, Peachtree Center, or Arts Center

Arriving early makes it easier to:

• Navigate parking or public transit
• Pick up tickets at will call
• Settle into your seat without rushing

Tips for Making the Most of Alvin Ailey in Atlanta

Here are some simple, Atlanta-specific tips if you’re planning around Alvin Ailey:

• Book early: Alvin Ailey often draws strong crowds in Atlanta, especially for weekend evenings and “Revelations” programs.
• Consider weeknights: If your schedule allows, weeknight shows can mean less traffic and more seat options.
• Pair it with Midtown dining: If you’re at the Fox Theatre or nearby venues, you’ll find plenty of restaurants within walking distance; build in time for parking before you sit down to eat.
• Bring younger aspiring dancers: Many Atlanta parents use Ailey performances as inspiration for kids who are training locally; it can be a powerful motivator.
• Save your program: It lists the works performed, choreographers, and sometimes biographical notes that help connect what you saw in Atlanta to the broader Ailey legacy.

Key Takeaways for “Alvin Ailey Atlanta”

• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater does not reside in Atlanta but tours here regularly, often at major venues like the Fox Theatre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
• To find out if they’re coming to Atlanta, check:
  • The company’s tour schedule
  • The event calendars of major Atlanta performance venues
  • Local arts and dance listings
• If you want to dance in Ailey’s spirit in Atlanta:
  • Look for modern, contemporary, jazz, or Horton-based classes at reputable studios.
  • Explore university and community programs with strong modern dance components.
  • Consider pre-professional tracks and summer intensives for serious youth dancers.
• Atlanta’s rich arts scene makes it an excellent place to:
  • Experience Alvin Ailey on tour
  • Train locally in related styles
  • Connect dance, culture, and community in a way that reflects Ailey’s original vision.