Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), the internationally acclaimed ambassador of American culture, promotes the uniqueness of African-American cultural expression and the presentation and enrichment of the American modern dance heritage.

Under the artistic direction of Judith Jamison, AAADT numbers 30 of the most talented and versatile dancers in the world, many of whom are graduates of The Ailey School and Ailey II, the company's junior performing ensemble. A typical AAADT season includes an international tour, a US tour to more than 20 cities and a five-week season in New York City. Ailey II's annual domestic tour consists of performances and related outreach activities in more than 40 smaller cities plus a New York City season each spring.

Seen by an estimated 19,000,000 fans in 48 states and 68 countries on six continents, AAADT continues to be a trailblazing leader in concert dance whose "phenomenal popularity is unmatched by any other company in the world." (Anna Kisselgoff, The New York Times).

In fulfillment of Mr. Ailey's long-standing dictum, "dance is for everybody," The Ailey is committed to bringing dance into the classrooms, communities and lives of people throughout the world.

The Ailey School serves as the official school of the world-renowned AAADT and the resident home of Ailey II, a junior company made up of the Ailey School's most gifted graduates. Founded in Brooklyn in 1969 by Mr. Ailey, the Ailey School moved to Manhattan the next year when Mr. Ailey joined forced with Pearl Lang. Since 1982, The Ailey School has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Under the direction of Denise Jefferson, this major dance academy currently enrolls 3,500 students annually, offering three professional training programs for aspiring dance students, ages 15-23, and several training programs for younger students, ages 3-15. Its diverse curriculum offers more than 150 classes weekly in 10 different dance techniques, as well as several dance, academic and creative courses.

Founded in 1841, Fordham University is New York City's Jesuit University and offers a superior tradition of cura personalis – personal care and deep respect for the individual. In that spirit the faculty challenges students to strive for greater personal excellence in all aspects of life – intellectual, emotional, physical, and moral. Fordham has residential campuses in Manhattan, the north Bronx and Tarrytown and an academic center in Armonk, N.Y.