Greenwich Library is excited to announce a very special opportunity to experience the power, beauty and energy of famed modern dance company Ailey II, right in Greenwich.
Ailey II will be the featured performing arts program for Greenwich Library’s 2026 Opening Night Celebration on Friday, October 2, 2026, in the Library’s Berkley Theater.
The evening begins with a 7:00pm performance, followed by a very special cocktail party and a celebratory grazing dinner, catered by Marcia Selden.
This event always sells out, so reserving tickets now is recommended at greenwichlibrary.org/support/
Ailey II’s Adanna Smalls and Eric J. Vidaña. Photo by: Nir Arieli, Ailey II.
Jade Ammons. Photo: Nir Arieli, Ailey II.
“Bringing Ailey II to Greenwich Library is exactly what Opening Night is all about — creating an unforgettable cultural experience right here in our community,” said Joe Williams, director of Greenwich Library. “Greenwich Library is recognized as one of the nation’s premier libraries and is one of the most visited library in the state of Connecticut. This Opening Night Celebration event helps make it possible for the Library to continue to offer exceptional performing arts programs that are free and accessible to the public throughout the year.”
What traditionally has been a biennial event, held every other year, Opening Night Celebration is now going to be an annual event and is the Library main “friendraiser” that specifically supports performing arts programs. The event is co-chaired by Shiobhan Burns, Julie McCormack and Wesley Royce, along with the Friends of Greenwich Library.
Ailey II, under the artistic direction of Francesca Harper, is celebrated for pairing the spirit and legacy of Alvin Ailey with the fresh energy of the next generation of extraordinary dancers. Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, the company embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to nurture the next generation of talented artists and reach audiences around the world by making dance accessible to all. Ailey II’s performance will bring a major New York-level cultural experience to Greenwich, making this year’s Opening Night Celebration one of the Library’s most anticipated events.
“This is such a special night for Greenwich Library,” said Wesley Royce, Opening Night Celebration co-chair. “The audience attending this special performance will enjoy an exciting and lively evening full of dance, energy, amazing food, friends and the feeling that they are part of something meaningful. Every ticket helps keep the performing arts thriving at the Library and available free of charge to the entire community throughout the fall-to-spring season. While there is a ticket price for Opening Night Celebration, attendees know they are supporting the Library and important programming for years to come.”
Funds raised from Opening Night Celebration support Greenwich Library’s upcoming season of performing arts programs in the Berkley Theater, including a public Ailey II performance on October 3, and a yearlong lineup of cultural and educational experiences.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $10,000 and are available at greenwichlibrary.org/support/