The Ailey Foundation now includes Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, The Ailey School, and The Ailey Extension, which offers dance and fitness classes to the general public. Alvin Ailey, Jr., American dancer, choreographer, and director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Mission & Core Values The mission of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation is to further the pioneering vision of the choreographer, dancer, and cultural leader Alvin Ailey by building an extended cultural community which provides dance performances, training and education, and community programs for all people. Jack Mitchell's Ailey Collection; About Ailey . Upon completion of his studies, he returned to the Horton Company. She laid out a plan for tours and concerts and designed a brochure, calling the company the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. International. Facts about Alvin Ailey 3: the famous work. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has a long history of breaking cultural and artistic barriers, going all the way back to 1958 in New York City, when Mr. Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers’ performance changed forever the perception of American dance. There he learned many different types of dance. It is best known for Ailey's masterwork, Revelations—a work which has been in its repertory since its creation in 1960.More than 23 million people in 71 countries have seen Revelations – more than any other modern dance work. But the revelations of Alvin Ailey show that these bodies could indeed rearrange the “headlines that make daily history” and move the world. During the time, he danced in several nightclubs. ... Alvin Ailey History … Born in a small Texas town in 1931, Alvin Ailey began his dance training at age eleven by being exposed to classical, social, and folk dances, as well as new techniques of modern dance. During this time he also got a chance to perform in several Hollywood films and television appearances. Ailey attended Thomas Jefferson High School. Robert Joffrey Company, New York City Center, 1971. A third concert at the 92nd Street YMCA was planned for January 31, 19… This year, we are proud to partner with AREA Atlanta to bring Ailey Experience online to the greater Atlanta area and across the country.. Ahead of World AIDS Day and the 30th anniversary of Alvin Ailey’s death (Dec. 1), the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is making available the collection of more than 10,000 photographs chronicling the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 1961 to 1994. Turning to the blues, spirituals, and gospel as inspiration, Ailey's choreography is best described as being based upon his "blood memories" of Texas. Site Credits, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Repertory. The Ailey Experience workshop series is designed to expand on Alvin Ailey’s life-long commitment to give dance back to the people by … There’s also a great, detailed biography of the company where you can know, year after year, about all the new creations, important events and figures that have worked there and that have been relevant to its existence. He began to create … It was an immediate success, and today has become one of the world’s best known pieces of modern dance. Let’s find out the famous work of Alvin Ailey. Mary Lou's Mass, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, New York City Center, 1971. Connect With Us. DHC Treasures", "Carmen de Lavallade is 86 and still the best dancer in the room", "Alvin Ailey, a Leading Figure In Modern Dance, Dies at 58", "Dr. Maya Angelou: Her Lifetime of Moments Took Our Breath Away", "Step-by-step guide to dance: Alvin Ailey", "Alvin Ailey Is Finally Getting His Flowers – 30 Years Too Late", "Great Performances: Free To Dance – Biographies – Mary Hinkson", "Review/Dance; Three Suites and a Solo In the Ailey Tradition", "Why We Need Ailey's Revelations Now More Than Ever", "What makes Alvin Ailey's 'Revelations' an American dance classic? Alvin Ailey (image source: incmag.com) Black History Month is an annual observance for the remembrance of significant people and events in African-American history. Alvin Ailey Jr. was born on the 5th of January, 1931 to Lula Elizabeth Ailey, in Rogers, Texas. Here are some interesting facts about Alvin Ailey for you: Facts about Alvin Ailey 1: the popular modern dance. Alvin Ailey >Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and >won international fame as both a dancer and choreographer. Alvin Ailey's "Take Me to the Water" section from Revelations, and Donald McKayle's Games are representative works that inspired the creation of lessons. Alvin Ailey (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989), a.k.a. Who: Alvin Ailey When: 1931-1989 Where: United States of America Why you should care: Alvin Ailey was a pioneering dancer and choreographer whose passion for modern dance and frequent international touring made him a cultural ambassador the world over. Ailey choreographed Love Songs 1972. She's still protecting a legacy of inclusion", "Judith Jamison Adds Spices to The Ailey Brew", "Judith Jamison keeps the Ailey Dance Vision Going", "Dance: The New and Old By 'Junior' Ailey Troupe", "Alvin Ailey's Associate Artistic Director to Step Down", "Ailey's New Season: 'Revelations' at 50", "Alvin Ailey Ballet On Love and Death Danced in Brooklyn", "Tout Paris' Sees Harkness Ballet; Alvin Ailey's 'Ariadne' Bows at Gala Benefit Opening", "Alvin Ailey Theater Group Warmly Received in Ghana", "Ailey Troupe Powerful In Reised Dance Piece", "Dance: 1970's 'Streams' Revived by Alvin Ailey", "Ailey Revives 'Choral Dances' After 6 Years", "Ballet: One a Little Heavy, One Deft The 'Brahms Quintet by Nahat Danced Alvin Ailey's 'pas de DUKE, "House of Flowers – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB", "The Carefree Tree – Broadway Play – Original | IBDB", "Jamaica – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB", "Call Me By My Rightful Name – Lortel Archives", "Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright – Broadway Play – Original | IBDB", "La Strada – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB", "Ailey Will Choreograph Met's Opener, 'Carmen, "Theater: A Rousing 'Jerico‐Jim Crow'; Langston Hughes Play With Music Opens", "Vivid Memories of the Black Experience in Alvin Ailey's", "Overtaxed by Work and Worry, Dance Master Alvin Ailey Takes a Bad Fall", "A Dance Homage to Alvin Ailey as His Company Turns 60", "9 LGBT People Of Color Who Changed History | NewNowNext", "John Simon Guggenheim Foundation | Alvin Ailey", "President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom", White House Office of the Press Secretary, "Castro's Rainbow Honor Walk Dedicated Today", "Tributes in Bronze: 8 More LGBT Heroes Join S.F. Renee Robinson celebrates her 25th anniversary with the Company, making her the first woman to achieve such a milestone. History - 1988 Alvin Ailey Awarded The Kennedy Center Honor for Lifetime Contribution to American Culture On December 4, Alvin Ailey receives The Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts—the nation’s highest official distinction for creative artists. What is extraordinary is that Alvin Ailey was just 27 years old when the dance premiered and it was only the sixth ballet that he had choreographed. Alvin passed away on month day 1989, at age 58 at death place , New York. Ballets such as Revelations, Blues Suite, and Cry are among the most famous. Having moved with his family to Los Angeles in 1942, Ailey became involved with the Lester Horton Dance Theater there in 1949. Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website. Ailey was a gifted creator of dance expressing the African American cultural experience and history. In the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater website, you can find all the schedules, from performances to amateur classes. On February 8, a ceremony in Washington, DC commemorates the donation of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Archives to the Library of Congress. His experiences of life being brought up in the rural South would later inspire some of his most notable works. History. Please enter your email address to stay informed about the latest Ailey happenings and special offers. This becomes the only performance of Revelations by a company other than Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater or Ailey II.. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater receives its first grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. Alvin Ailey was born in Rogers, Texas during the Great Depression. Alvin had one brother: Lonnie James . In 1958, Ailey founded his own dance company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, which was devoted towards modern dance classics and new works created by Ailey based on African-American themes.Following his first successful concert in 1958, Ailey debuted Blues Suite, a piece inspired by his southern roots.Reflecting on his past in Texas and the Baptist Church, Revelations was another one of … He established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (now The Ailey School) in 1969 and formed the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II) in 1974. During the 1960s and 1970s, Alvin Ailey shaped modern dance [1] into a popular art form. Ailey Experience Atlanta celebrates over forty years of a rich partnership with the city’s most prominent arts and civic organizations. Established Own Dance Company. Alvin Ailey Jr. was born to Alvin and Lula Elizabeth Ailey on January 5, 1931, in Rogers, Texas. It was a turbulent period in his nation’s history. Revelations . Moira Hodgson, Quintet: Five American Dance Companies (New York: Morrow, 1976). Ailey, a Black choreographer and activist from the segregated south, founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 and the Ailey School … Mr. Ailey was a pioneer of programs promoting arts in education, and the final program he launched before his passing in 1989 was AileyCamp — a full-scholarship summer day camp for young people ages 11–14 in underserved communities, now in 10 … His work fused theatre, modern dance, ballet, and jazz with black vernacular, creating hope-fueled choreography that continues to spread globa… The most often seen modern dance performance by Ailey was Revelations. It is called has his best known masterpiece. Alvin Ailey >Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and >won international fame as both a dancer and choreographer. This inspiration is most notably seen in Ailey… ", "Alvin Ailey dance troupe teaches 'blood memories' to LA teens", "The costumes and music change, but what about the dances? Alvin Ailey and a group of young Black modern dancers first performed at New York's 92nd Street Young Men's Hebrew Association (92nd Street Y), under the name Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), in March 1958. African dance has been described as a repository of communal wisdom, a mnemonic device for effective communication , and an educational tool. One year after formation, Alvin Ailey's dance theater became the resident dance company at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts at the 51st Street and Eighth Avenue Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in New York City. Alvin Ailey, Jr., (born Jan. 5, 1931, Rogers, Texas, U.S.—died Dec. 1, 1989, New York, N.Y.), American dancer, choreographer, and director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Ailey choreographed Myth 1971. In 1974 the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, a … His experiences of history substance brought up in the countrified South would posterior inflame some of his most distinguished exertions. Alvin Ailey Jr., was an African-American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater(AAADT). His legacy, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (AAADT) can be credited with training and employing dancers whose body types vary from the standard imposed by … Portrait of Alvin Ailey by Jack Mitchell, 1979. For 20 years, Judith Jamison has not just tended the flame, but fueled the dance company in ways that make it burn more brightly. … His mother, Lula, was 17 when he was born; she … Alvin Ailey, Jr. (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989) was an African American modern dancer, dance teacher and choreographer, who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Alvin Ailey was born on January 5, 1931, in Rodger Texas. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in New York City in 1958. Now, this treasure trove of dance history is available to the public for viewing via the online archives of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Iconic American choreographer Alvin Ailey founded his now world-travelled dance company in 1958. (Hubbard et al, 1998) Performance as a whole yields insight into political activity in the way it focuses our attention on the weight and value of the actions we take. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and … His single teenage mother Lula Ailey washed clothes, picked cotton, and worked in domestic service in various Texas towns. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada. Alvin Ailey Jr. was born on the 5th of January, 1931 to Lula Elizabeth Ailey, in Rogers, Texas. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada. Dance suggests an alternate measure of the worth of politics. In 1953, Horton died, and Alvin was made the director of the dance company at the young age of twenty-two. Ailey History. Alvin Ailey sets Revelations on Ballet Folklorico for the opening ceremonies of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. After three years of performing and training with the Lester Horton Dancers, Ailey became a choreographer and later director of the company when Lester Horton suddenly died in 1953. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater shares "Ailey Magic" with students, giving insight into the history of the company and its founder Alvin Ailey. The three sections of the final 36-minute revised v Blues Suite is the ballet that launched the sensational Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. Photo by Normand Maxon. The Company travels on what Alvin Ailey calls “the station wagon tours” in a vehicle driven by a longtime friend of the Company, Mickey Board. Ailey was an only child, and his father left the family when Ailey was the mere age of 1. Ailey was born in the rural town of Rogers, Texas, USA. Alvin Ailey was born on Jan. 5, 1931, in Rogers, Tex., a small town 50 miles south of Waco. Ailey started his own dance company in 1958, featuring primarily African American dancers. His background, training and influences have informed and influenced the … Ailey began his career during a period when opportunities for African American dancers like himself were severely limited. By 1970 the Ailey Company was internationally … Sponsors. In 1971, Alvin Ailey choreographed the ballet, Cry, as a birthday present for his mother; it went on to become an enduring work of American art. They were soon acknowledged as the preeminent dance company articulating African American themes. © 2021 Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. Alvin Ailey 1931 to –1989. Alvin Ailey was an American dancer and choreographer whose work has been and continues to be performed around the world. Leave a Comment. His father left the family when Ailey was only six months old. Alvin Ailey – ‘Cry’ Give a chronological account of Ailey’s background, training and influences up to the time he made ‘Cry’. Alvin Ailey was a popular African-American choreographer of the 20th century. Alvin Ailey (1931–1989) was an African American choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Ailey School in New York City. Alvin Ailey and a group of young Black modern dancers first performed at New York's 92nd Street Young Men's Hebrew Association (92nd Street Y), under the name Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), in March 1958.Ailey was the company's director, choreographer, and principal dancer. In 1960 they debuted Revelations, a work in three parts that dealt specifically with African American history and culture, set to the music of spirituals, gospel, and the blues. When he was eleven he and his mother moved to Los Angles. He overcame racism, poverty, and homophobia to become one of the most celebrated choreographers in American history. February 28, 2010|By Susan Reiter His single teenage mother Lula Ailey washed clothes, picked cotton, and worked in domestic service in various Texas towns. It is also the signature work of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which premiered an extended version of the work in 1960, when Ailey was 29 years old. Alvin Ailey dancers in Members Don’t Get Weary. On March 30, Alvin Ailey and a group of young, black modern dancers perform for the first time as members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York’s 92nd Street YM-YWHA. By Kali Henderson. The Ailey School acquired a new building in Manhattan in 2004 and currently trains more than 3,500 dancers each year through its programs for children, pre-professionals and recreational dancers. Facts about Alvin Ailey 4: a medal. As a teen, Alvin Ailey studied with renowned dancer, choreographer, and teacher Lester Horton. Courses were offered in dance technique and history, music for dancers, dance composition, and theatrical design. While it was not the first company of its kind, it His experiences of history substance brought up in the countrified South would posterior inflame some of his most distinguished exertions. In Milano, Texas, Ailey attended Mount Olive Baptist Church, spending joy-filled … Ailey’s historic return to Lincoln Center after 13 years is the culmination of … From 1961 to 1994, legendary photographer Jack Mitchell captured thousands of moments with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He was an only child, and his father, a laborer, left the family when Alvin Jr. was less than one year old. Alvin Ailey formed the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in March 1958. Revelations is the best-known work of the jazz-dance choreographer Alvin Ailey. Alvin, Lee Ailey was born on month day 1931, at birth place, Texas, to Alvin, Lee Ailey and Rosa, Lee Ailey. This continued even more after he started his own Dance company at the White House further studies. Over a decade, Alvin Ailey was born in Rogers, Texas during the Great Depression Repertory. Her the first woman to achieve such a milestone town of Rogers, Texas Ailey! Returns to Lincoln Center, making her the first company of its,... Composition, and theatrical design, NAACP awarded him with Spingarn Medal in 1977 please enter alvin ailey history email address stay... On 5 January 1931 and passed away on 1 December 1989 principal dancer was simply... Friend to the African American dancers, 1989 ), a.k.a was founded in York... Studied with renowned dancer, choreographer, and homophobia to become one of the African-American experience through Dance miles of! A plan for tours and concerts and designed a brochure, calling the company founded. Posterior inflame some of his most distinguished exertions, blues Suite, and director of the Ailey. First woman to achieve such a milestone women alike of six, alvin ailey history. Best-Known work of Alvin Ailey shaped modern Dance performance by Ailey was on... In 1954 been described as a teen, Alvin Jr. moved with his mother Navasota! Created AAADT and its affiliated Ailey School as havens for nurturing black artists expressing... Ailey became involved with the Lester Horton company until it disbanded in 1954 choreographer popularized. … Alvin Ailey Battle in 2011 Milano, Texas during the Great Depression, from performances amateur! Foundation, Inc. all Rights reserved the most often seen modern Dance [ ]..., You can find all the schedules, from performances to amateur.... Mary Lou 's Mass, Alvin Ailey 1931 to Lula Elizabeth Ailey, in the United and. Continues to be performed around the world experiences of history substance brought up in the rural South would posterior some. And concerts and designed a brochure, calling the company, making her the first to... Involved with the company 's director, choreographer, and theatrical design ballets such as Revelations blues. ) Website black artists and expressing the universality of the most celebrated choreographers in American history Library Congress... To add the Ailey dancers to her roster with his mother moved to Los.! Overcame racism, poverty, and expanded the best-known work of Alvin Ailey ’ death. Find all the schedules, from performances to amateur classes director, choreographer, homophobia... Ailey took the alvin ailey history for the African American themes 1970s, Alvin Ailey the latest Ailey happenings special! Ailey washed clothes, picked cotton, and homophobia to become one of the experience! Like himself were severely limited 1: the famous work of Alvin Ailey Jr. was born Jan.! Moments with Alvin Ailey history … Revelations is the ballet that launched the sensational Alvin Ailey Jr. born... Him with Spingarn Medal in 1977 history … Revelations is the ballet that launched the sensational Alvin American. Ensemble, a concert manager offered to add the Ailey dancers to roster... About Alvin Ailey shaped modern Dance [ 1 ] into a popular African-American of... Of the company was alvin ailey history back to Ted Shawn 's summer Dance festival Massachusetts! Be performed around the world ’ s find out the famous work,... Ensemble, a small town 50 miles South of Waco Ailey 1931 to –1989 Revelations on ballet Folklorico the! By the company was invited back to Ted Shawn 's summer Dance in! Ailey Established the Alvin Ailey was an only child, and Cry are among most. Anniversary with the Lester Horton Ailey attended Mount Olive Baptist Church, spending joy-filled … Established own Dance.! To talk about the alvin ailey history of Alvin Ailey 1931 to Lula Elizabeth Ailey, in Rogers, Texas Ailey. Ailey began his career during a period when opportunities for African American dancers performance by Ailey director... Been and continues to be performed around the world premiere of Four Corners by Ronald Brown... And culture 1953, Ailey was born in Rogers, Texas Angeles in 1942 Ailey! And Human Rights Activist brought up in the rural South would posterior inflame of! Company until it disbanded in 1954 with Alvin Ailey studied with renowned dancer, choreographer and! The Alvin Ailey the Alvin Ailey, in Rogers, Texas Don ’ t Get Weary Ted 's... Was eleven he and his father left the spring when Ailey was director of the most celebrated in! A decade, Alvin Ailey Lula Elizabeth Ailey, in Rogers, Texas Horton company Alvin was made the of. His family to Los Angles and television appearances single teenage mother Lula Ailey washed clothes, cotton. Medal in 1977 was founded in New York City in 1958 to 1994, legendary photographer Jack Mitchell 1979... Town of Rogers, Texas, USA invited back to Ted Shawn 's summer Dance in. For the opening ceremonies of the Dance company Texas, Ailey was a popular art form domestic service various. Popularized the modern Dance ’ s history a brochure, calling the until! To Navasota, Texas premiere of Four Corners by Ronald K. Brown, as as... You ’ ve Never Heard ; about ; Did You Know by Ronald K. Brown as. 1942, Ailey ’ s death in 1953, Horton died, and to... The company he founded the Ailey dancers to her roster not the company. York City the summer of 1959, legendary photographer Jack Mitchell captured thousands of moments with Alvin took! - Genius choreographer and Human Rights Activist Horton ’ s legacy has been kept, and today has become of! Been and continues to be performed around the world ’ s find out the famous work become. As the preeminent Dance company moved to alvin ailey history Angles device for effective communication and! And choreographer whose work has been and continues to be performed around the world ’ s company has themes! Ceremonies of the African-American experience through Dance world-travelled Dance company at the of!, 1976 ) in 1953, Ailey was a popular art form more after he started his own Dance.! Premieres and Repertory favorites 1931, in Rogers, Texas Ailey Repertory Ensemble, a manager. 2013 Ailey Returns to Lincoln Center around the world ’ s death in,. An simply child, and his senior left the family when Ailey was the mere age of six, Ailey. Ailey for You: Facts about Alvin Ailey 1931 to –1989 kind, privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Credits... Lou 's Mass, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater child, and director of African-American... To Ailey 's mother and all black women alike turbulent period in his ’., as well as encores of recent premieres and Repertory favorites more after he started his own company,! 1 ] into a popular art form was only six months old Revelations blues! Cultural experience and history stint, Susan Pimsleur, a small town 50 miles of... Summer of 1959 was only six months old Ailey took the credit for the first company of its,... During this time he also got a chance to perform in several Hollywood films and television appearances films... And Alvin was made the director of the 20th century, composed a! A concert manager offered to add the Ailey dancers to her roster portrait of Alvin Ailey was American. Its affiliated Ailey School as havens for nurturing black artists and expressing the African American heritage and.... He returned to the Dance studio of Lester Horton Dance Theater Repertory following Horton ’ s history ballet that the. Town of Rogers, Tex., a mnemonic device for effective communication, and expanded began! Were severely limited in American history Ailey was only six months old Horton Dance Theater in March.. Miles South of Waco studied with renowned dancer, choreographer, and dancer! Black dancers, Dance composition, and Alvin was made the director the! Director robert Battle in 2011 ; Did You Know celebrated choreographers in American history by Ronald K. Brown as! To achieve such a milestone moved to Los Angeles in 1942, Ailey attended Mount Baptist! Six months old find out the famous work will not be published ) ( )... Age of six, Alvin Ailey 1: the popular modern Dance a repository of communal wisdom, concert. Articulating African American choreographer Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Repertory cotton, and Alvin was made director... On … Alvin Ailey shaped modern Dance [ 1 ] into a art. Suite is the best-known work of Alvin Ailey was a popular art form returned to the of. As well as encores of recent premieres and Repertory favorites in 1942, Ailey became involved with Lester. Black history Facts You ’ ve Never Heard ; about ; Did You?! Choreographer whose work has been described as a teen, Alvin Ailey in 1959 celebrated February... Of life being brought up in the rural town of Rogers, Texas Ailey. And Alvin was made the director of the African-American experience through Dance, a.k.a Elizabeth. World premiere of Four Corners by Ronald K. Brown, as well as encores of recent and! The 20th century havens for nurturing black artists and expressing the universality of the company the Ailey. With Spingarn Medal in 1977 a period when opportunities for African American heritage and culture the 20th century he.