
Christopher Duggan
June in New York City means a lot of things, but it is also the official kickoff to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theaterâs spring season at Lincoln Center. As in the past, the season began with a star-studded Ailey Spirit Gala (pdf) Wednesday in midtown Manhattan. The evening was a night to remember for attendees, who were greeted by Anthony Anderson and Roland S. Martin, along with gala co-chairs Gina F. Adams; Lynne and Anthony M. Carvette; Leslie and Tom Maheras; Almaz and Marc S. Strachan; and Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach, as well as vice chairs Michele and Timothy Barakett; N. Anthony and Robyn Coles; Jaishri and Vikas Kapoor; and Pamela D. Zilly and John H. Schaefer.
Other notable attendees included actress Phylicia Rashad, stage and screen legend Cicely Tyson, and musician Jon Batiste.
The evening began with a taste of a few Ailey favorites, including Cry, Robert Battleâs Awakening and a powerful Revelations performance. Following the eveningâs performance, more than 750 guests partied like it was 1999 to the sounds of D.J. M.O.S. The evening helped raise more than $1 million for Aileyâs extensive educational programs for young people, including Ailey Camp and scholarships to the Ailey School.

Photo by Dario Calmese Jr.

Dario Calmese Jr.
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Photo by Dario Calmese Jr.

Photo by Dario Calmese Jr.
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Photo by Dario Calmese Jr.

Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Photo by Christopher Duggan
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Christopher Duggan

Photo by Christopher Duggan

Photo by Christopher Duggan
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Photo by Christopher Duggan

Photo by Christopher Duggan
Kimberly Wilson is the social media editor at The Root. Follow her on Twitter.
