The legendary New York modern dance theatre returns to Brussels

Dance aficionados, take note: the legendary New York modern dance company finally returns to Brussels with two brand-new artistic programs this October. Blending heritage and creation, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s comeback to Belgium stands as one of the major choreographic events of the 2026 fall season. The prestigious New York company will perform on the stage of Forest National from 1 to 4 October.

For this new series, the troupe unveils two different programs – both bold and deeply moving.

PROGRAM A “AILEY LEGACY” celebrates the company’s heritage through emblematic works that have shaped its identity. Night Creature, choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1975 to Duke Ellington’s sophisticated jazz score, immerses the audience in a vibrant nocturnal world where bouncing allegros blend with Graham-esque contractions. Grace, a major creation by Ronald K. Brown in 1999, unfolds luminous spirituality by fusing modern dance vocabulary with movements from the African diaspora. This piece, which has become essential to the Ailey repertoire, traces the journey of a goddess who comes to spread grace on earth, sublimated by Duke Ellington’s music.

PROGRAM B “NEW WORKS” ventures into contemporary creation with works never before presented in Belgium. Medhi Walerski’s Blink of an Eye set to Bach opens this unprecedented choreographic journey. A Case of You, a sensual duet created by the legendary Judith Jamison to Diana Krall’s interpretation of Joni Mitchell’s classic, explores the fragilities of romantic connection. Many Angels by Lar Lubovitch, set to the Adagietto from Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, gracefully questions a metaphysical enigma. Finally, Song of the Anchorite by Jamar Roberts, former resident choreographer, boldly reinterprets Alvin Ailey’s Hermit Songs in a contemporary meditation on passion and devotion.

The common thread of both programs, Revelations remains the absolute masterpiece of modern dance. Created in 1960, this iconic ballet draws from African American spirituals, gospels, and blues to offer a fervent exploration of the torments and joys of the human soul. The “blood memories” of Alvin Ailey’s native Texas infuse every movement of this work that transcends cultural boundaries and continues, more than six decades after its creation, to move audiences around the world.

Under the artistic direction of Alicia Graf Mack, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perpetuates its founder’s vision: celebrating technical excellence, choreographic diversity, and African American cultural heritage while commissioning new works from the most talented choreographers of our time. The company’s dancers, true athletes of grace, embody with breathtaking virtuosity a repertoire that constantly dialogues between tradition and innovation.

For more info & tickets, visit the website of Forest National in Brussels.

Performance dates:
Thursday 1 October 2026 – 8:00 PM – Program A
Friday 2 October 2026 – 8:00 PM – Program B
Saturday 3 October 2026 – 8:00 PM – Program A
Sunday 4 October 2026 – 6:00 PM – Program B