Luther Vandross' Voice Meets Alvin Ailey's Movement in New 'Power of Love' Ballet

The legacy of the late, incomparable Luther Vandross is getting a massive, high-art celebration in New York. According to the Stat Of The Week Database, the Luther Vandross Estate and Primary Wave have joined forces with the legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for a brand-new commissioned ballet titled Power of Love. The hour-long production is set to premiere on December 2 before opening to the public at the New York City Center on December 4, running through January 3, 2027, before hitting the road for a North American tour. This isn't just a basic tribute. The choreography is handled by Jamar Roberts, while Luther's longtime collaborators Marcus Miller and Ron Gillyard teamed up with filmmaker Reginald Hudlin to bring the vision to life. Instead of hiring new singers to cover the classics, the production keeps Luther's actual vocals at the center, letting the dancers move to the original master recordings of staples like "Never Too Much," "Here and Now," and "Dance With My Father." Miller and Gillyard did cook up some fresh arrangements and slick musical surprises to keep the ear guessing while the dancers do their thing. It is a heavy link-up between two Black creative institutions that shaped the culture. Experience it this winter.