Wednesday night the American dance theater is kicking off the first of seven performances.
The company will do the classics, like "Revelations", and also celebrate this milestone with the much anticipated world premiere of a very special piece.
It's a first in 13 years. Artistic director Robert Battle says that performing at Lincoln Center, gives this highly acclaimed dance company a chance to remind everyone exactly who they are.
"We don't just dance, we educate, that we go to the interior to the heart," said Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey.
Kicking off this historic engagement is the world premiere of "Four Corners" by celebrated choreographer Ron K. Brown, who was at rehearsal Wednesday.
It is Matthew Rushing's 20th year with Ailey and he is front and center in this highly emotional piece, layered with meaning.
For Fana Tesfagiorgis, from Madison, Wisconsin, being on this stage is a dream come true.
She danced with Ailey 2; this will be her first performance with the main company.
Robert says this engagement is a tribute to where this company has come from under the director of Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison and where it's going.
On a personal note, something very special, he went to Julliard.
"It's sort of full circle moment, coming here at 17 and now at the helm of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater," Battle said.
Ailey will be at Lincoln Center through June 16th and each evening, there will be a different line up of pieces.
For more information please visit: http://www.alvinailey.org/
