Ailey made his debut as a dancer on the BAM stage in 1956
by Bernice Elizabeth Green
The iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – the company that changed American dance forever and is a vital force in New York City and around the world — celebrates its 65th anniversary in two exciting new programs during June 4 through June 9 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217 (bam.org).
The trailblazing choreographer Alvin Ailey (January 5, 1931, in Rogers, Texas – December 1, 1989, in Manhattan, NYC) was a dancer, director, choreographer and activist. He made his debut on the BAM stage as a dancer in 1956 and established close ties to Kings County when in 1969 the company began a residency at BAM, and he established The Ailey School in Brooklyn. Ailey was honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom and, in 2008, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution designating the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater “a vital American cultural ambassador to the World.”
The Company continues their founder’s legacy of dance institution-building and creating new dance forms in two program offerings. Program A, “Contemporary Visions” features three new works by visionary choreographers Alonzo King, Hans van Manen and Jamar Roberts and n a “dynamic program of renegade modern dance.” Program B, “All Ailey” presents the Company performing Ailey’s signature works, and honoring, and celebrating the man who forged a revolutionary path for American dance, inspired the trailblazers featured in Program A, and brought the world to his feat. The choreographer’s memorable Cry, Revelations, Memoria, and A Song for You will be performed on BAM’s opera stage.
In 2014, President Barack Obama posthumously bestowed him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of Ailey’s contributions and commitment to civil rights and dance in America. For more on BAM programming, www.bam.org; for more on Alvin Ailey, visit: www.alvinailey.org
June 1 Free Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs Workshop
On Saturday, June 1 dance fans are invited to join the free Revelations Celebration Community Workshop on Saturday, June 1 at 2pm. Learn excerpts from Alvin Ailey’s iconic Revelations—in this exciting Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs workshop. Led by former Ailey company members Amos Machanic and Cheryl Rowley-Gaskins, with live music by Ailey percussionist Roderick Jackson, this all-ages workshop invites you to celebrate movement and Alvin Ailey’s must-see signature work with those who shared this inspiring masterpiece with audiences in performances around the world. Venue: The Plaza at 300Ashland (Rain location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, he Adam Space/BAM Café)
About Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey’s experiences of life in the rural South later inspired some of his most memorable works. He was introduced to dance in Los Angeles by performances of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, and his formal dance training began with an introduction to Lester Horton’s classes by his friend Carmen de Lavallade. Horton, the founder of one of the first racially integrated dance companies in the United States, became a mentor for Mr. Ailey as he embarked on his professional career.
After Horton’s death in 1953, Mr. Ailey became director of the Lester Horton Dance Theater and began to choreograph his own works. In the 1950s and 60s, Mr. Ailey performed in four Broadway shows, including House of Flowers and Jamaica.
In 1958, Mr. Ailey founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to carry out his vision of a company dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage and preserving the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience. 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. Mr. Ailey was a pioneer of programs promoting arts in education, particularly those benefiting underserved communities.