The season, led by artistic director Robert Battle, will kick off November 30 with an Opening Night Gala Performance and party at the New York Hilton Midtown Grand Ballroom, which will raise money for Ailey’s extensive educational and training programs for young people.

Odom, Jr. will be part of the December 9 performance, created by veteran company member Hope Boykin, who was inspired by the sermons and speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boykin created r-Evolution, Dream. following a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta during Ailey’s annual U.S. tour. She has created a large ensemble work in which the Ailey dancers will be joined by members of Ailey II. Boykin, according to press notes, “melds creative storytelling, new music composed by Ali Jackson (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and historic and original writings” narrated by Odom, Jr.

Tickets starting at $25 will go on sale September 6 at the New York City Center Box Office, through CityTix® at (212) 581-1212, or online at www.alvinailey.org or www.nycitycenter.org.