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Date of Birth
He was born in Rogers, Texas. -
Being Serious About Dance
Ailey did not become serious about dance until his school friend Carmen De Lavallade introduced him to the Hollywood studio of Lester Horton. Horton would prove to be Ailey's major influence, becoming a mentor and giving him both a technique and a foundation with which to grow artistically -
Horton's Company
He joined Horton's company making his debut in Horton's Revue Le Bal Caribe. It was during this period that Ailey performed in several Hollywood films. -
New York
He and his friend Carmen De Lavallade were invited to New York to dance in the Broadway show, House of Flowers by Truman Capote, starring Pearl Bailey and Diahann Carroll. -
New York
He also appeared in Sing, Man, Sing starring Harry Belafonte. -
New York
In "Jamaica" with Lena Horne and Ricardo Montalbán -
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater
Ailey formed his own group, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, in 1958. The group presented its inaugural concert on this day. -
Overseas tour
The U.S. State Department sponsored the Alvin Ailey Dance Company's first overseas tour. Ailey was suspicious of his government benefactors' motives. He suspected they were propagandistic, seeking to advertise a false tolerance by showcasing a modern Negro dance group. -
"The River"
Ailey was honored by a commission to create The River for ABT (ABT). Ailey viewed The River, which he based on the music of composer Duke Ellington, as a chance to work with some of the finest ballet dancers in the world, particularly with the great dramatic ballerina Sallie Wilson. ABT, however, insisted that the leading male role be danced by the only black man, despite misgivings by Ailey and others about the dancer's talent. -
"Cry"
Cry was one of Ailey's greatest successes. He dedicated it to his mother and black women everywhere. It became a signature piece for Judith Jamison. -
Passed Away
He died from AIDS at the age of 58. -
Induction
Alvin Ailey was inducted into the National Museum of Dance's Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY.
