Masazumi Chaya is a Japanese American dancer, choreographer and was the associate artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) from 1991 to 2020.^[1]

Chaya was born and trained in classical ballet in Fukuoka, Japan,^[2] to a doctor and nurse.^[3] He found his way into theater as a dresser in his teenage years, and later as a musical theater dancer on stage and on television in Tokyo.

He moved to New York City in December 1970,^[4] after questioning whether he was getting work in Japan for being a male, instead of for his ability.^[5]

Chaya performed with AAADT for fifteen years beginning in 1972, becoming rehearsal director after retiring from dancing in 1987^[6][7] and also serving as choreographic assistant to Alvin Ailey before Ailey's death in 1989.^[8] Chaya was named AAADT's associate artistic director in 1991 by Judith Jamison.^[2] From 1991 to 2020, Chaya served as Associate Artistic Director of the Company. ^[9]

Chaya has staged and re-staged various Ailey works, rehearsed dancers, and taught company class for AAADT.^[3] He primarily teaches Ailey dances that he has performed.^[6]

Chaya has focused on maintaining the spirit of Ailey's dances with today's performers, who have generally not experienced the same life challenges as Ailey's dancers of the past.^[3] He's credited with providing continuity to AAADT over the years.^[10][6][11]

Former director Judith Jamison referred to him as the "miracle of this company," who "can remember details and dances like no other."^[5]