Alvin Ailey Returns to Atlanta
Christopher R. Wilson of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has found a way to connect the soul to the stage. For him, dance is far more than technique—it’s a way of communicating, of telling stories, and of creating moments that resonate long after the final curtain falls.
Wilson’s journey began at age 11, when he first saw the Ailey Company perform. Even as a child, he felt the transformative power of their movement, but it wasn’t until a summer dance program at age 16 that he realized the stage was his home.
"That performance made everything clear," Wilson recalls. "It was the moment I knew this was where I belonged."One of the most meaningful milestones in his career came full circle at Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre—the same place where he first experienced the magic of the Ailey Company. Performing there for the first time, with nearly 100 friends and family in attendance, was, as Wilson describes, "euphoric."
Wilson credits Alvin Ailey’s choreography for its powerful blend of ballet, jazz, and Graham and Lester Horton techniques. However, it’s the humanity woven into every movement that sets Ailey’s work apart.
"Mr. Ailey didn’t want cookie-cutter dancers," Wilson explains. "He wanted us to tell our own stories through his choreography because that’s how we connect with audiences."
Dance, Wilson believes, is a universal language that transcends barriers.
"Movement is innate in all of us," he says. "It’s a way to level the playing field and create moments of true connection." To him, dance is not just art—it’s a catalyst for change, a mirror to society, and a bridge between people.
Judith Jamison, a legendary figure in dance and a mentor to Wilson, instilled in him the importance of storytelling.
"Every movement has meaning," Wilson reflects. "Whether it’s a reach, a tilt, or even stillness, it’s all part of the story."
Today, Wilson continues to honor the legacies of Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison, while carving his own path. Through his work, he invites audiences to experience the beauty of storytelling, the power of connection, and the art of humanity in motion.
Due to popular demand, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to The Fox Theatre from February 12—16 for an unprecedented six performances including a moving Valentine’s Day show on February 14. The highly anticipated 2025 Atlanta engagement showcases the unrivaled artistry, passion, and precision of the extraordinary Ailey dancers in brilliant premieres, new productions, and repertory favorites. The uplifting finale of every performance will be the must-see masterpiece Revelations. Tickets, starting at $39, are available at The Fox Theatre box office, 660 Peachtree Street NE, www.ailey.org/series/ailey-atlanta, www.foxatltix.com, or by calling 855-285-8499.
“When I first met Ms. Jamison some years ago, she gave me a hug and thanked me for promoting Ailey as a member of Alvin Ailey Ambassador of Atlanta. I was humbled and grateful to be in her presence. As regal as she was, Ms. Jamison was a real person who loved her community and the cultural significance of what we have created as people of the diaspora. This beautiful, brilliant, and talented cultural icon will not be forgotten. Ms. Jamison's life and legacy will live forever.”
Tonya Cook
20-Year Alvin Ailey Ambassador of Atlanta