Alvin Ailey Jr. (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989) was an American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist. He is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the world of dance, as well as his advocacy for Black artists.
Ailey established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) with the aim of providing nurturing environments for Black artists and promoting the universal nature of the African-American experience through dance. The AAADT continues to serve as a cultural powerhouse, showcasing the talents of diverse dance artists and creating impactful performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.
As a gay man, Ailey’s work was deeply influenced by his personal experiences and the struggles of the Black community. He skillfully blended theater, modern dance, ballet, and jazz with elements of Black vernacular, creating choreography that spoke to the heart of the human experience. His powerful and hope-filled dances shed light on the rich and diverse aspects of Black life in America.
One of Ailey’s most celebrated works is the choreographic masterpiece “Revelations.” This ballet, which fuses elements of gospel, blues, and spiritual music, has become an iconic representation of the African-American experience. “Revelations” has captivated audiences around the globe and remains one of the most performed ballets in the world, leaving a lasting impact on the dance community and beyond.
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Founded in 1994 by a pair of former Alvin Ailey dancers and frequent contributors to the hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance, New York-based Complexions Contemporary Ballet has wowed critics and audiences alike with their boundary-breaking style of ballet. Now Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden bring their acclaimed company back to the…
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This entry from the Lincoln Center at the Movies series celebrates one of the nation’s premier modern dance companies: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which was formed in New York by Ailey in 1958 and showcases African-American performers. Serving up a quartet of pieces that demonstrate both the troupe’s variety in programming and the extraordinary…
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Dance Film with documentary starring Tiler Peck, Marquese Non-Stop Scott and Matthew Rushing A haunting take on jealousy, this existential thriller posits a man, a woman, and an elusive lover in a series of intense pas de deux in a stark apartment that becomes a fourth character. Danced to a commissioned score by David Lang…
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In 2016, choreographer Aszure Barton created Fantastic Beings as part of our She Said triple bill of works by female choreographers. The piece was reworked in 2018 and performed as part of our Voices of America programme at Sadler’s Wells, when this performance was filmed. Choreographer Aszure Barton started learning tap at the age of three, trained in classical ballet at…
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Having just celebrated their 60th anniversary, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater bring with them a flood of new and exciting works alongside modern classics in three mixed programmes that demonstrate the unparalleled artistry that has defined them. Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece, and the company’s signature piece, signs off each one of their shows. Performed as a…
