The Magic of Katherine Dunham

Alvin Ailey wanted to celebrate and share with the world the genius of the woman who had an incredible impact on him since he was 14 years old living in Los Angeles. The Magic of Katherine Dunham is an evening length work in three acts of Dunham’s most famous and memorable ballets. Dunham’s works had not been seen in their entirety or presented in a proper theatrical setting when Mr. Ailey proposed this restaging. The project was led by Dunham herself, along with Vanoy Aiken and Tommy Gomez who assisted in the restaging. There was an intense rehearsal period at the Minskoff Building where Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (now The Ailey School) were based. During rehearsals, the energy was infectious, with the passion, zeal, and enthusiasm creating a spiritual ambiance. The Magic of Katherine Dunham premiered at New York City Center in December 1987.