Alvin Ailey Opening Gala Red Carpet Looks
Ciara Wows in an Embellished Gown With a Thigh-High Slit at the Alvin Ailey Gala
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opening-night gala always brings out Hollywood's elite, from Ciara in 2025 to Cynthia Erivo in 2023. Held at the famed New York City Center, the event features a special performance by the world-renowned dance company followed by dinner and an after-party where special guests hit the dance floor beside the performers.
For the 2025 event held on Dec. 3, Ciara commanded the spotlight in a black, embellished gown with a thigh-high slit. The dress featured a high-neckline, gloves, and a flowing train. The Grammy-winning singer paired the look with ankle-strap pointy-toe heels, glowing skin, and a nude lip. Other notable stars in attendance included Samara Joy, Phylicia Rashad, and actor Bianca Lawson. Joy chose a chic black sheath dress with a regal cape draped elegantly over her shoulder while Lawson opted for a classic black suit with flowing, wide-leg trousers.
The night featured a performance of Ailey's transcendent Black American cultural masterpiece "Revelations" with a live choir and orchestra, as well as a new production of "A Case of You," the duet choreographed by the late Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison and performed on opening night to the backdrop of Samara Joy singing live.
The event marks the beginning of the dance company's annual holiday engagement at New York City Center, running from Dec. 3 to Jan. 4, 2026. The five-week program will feature "Revelations" along with world premieres by Maija García, Fredrick Earl Mosley, and more.
Keep scrolling to see the best red carpet and onstage moments from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Opening Night Gala through the years.
Ciara at the 2025 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Samara Joy at the 2025 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Bianca Lawson at the 2025 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Alicia Graf Mack at the 2025 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Phylicia Rashad at the 2025 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Cynthia Erivo at the 2023 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Bianca Lawson at the 2023 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Sunny Hostin at the 2023 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Damaris Lewis at the 2023 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Charles Wallace and LaChanze at the 2023 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Samantha Figgins at the 2023 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Judith Jamison at the 2023 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
Ashley Kaylynn Green and Michael Jackson Jr. at the 2023 Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala
