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Alvin Ailey

By miss_sandy

  • Born

    Born
    Alvin was born in the state of Texas. Three months after his birth, his father left him and his mother, leaving them to struggle in poverty. While in Texas, Alvin attended a Baptist Church and would go every Sunday. There he learned many gospel songs and hymns.

  • Moved to California

    Moved to California
    At the age of 12, Alvin and his mother moved to Los Angeles, California. While in Middle School, Alvin went on a field trip to the the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, where he fell in love with movement and dance.

  • Studied Dance

    Studied Dance
    Alvin studied dance under the watchful eye of Lester Horton. Lester was a white dancer, teacher and choreographer, who had created the first multi-racial dance company in the United States. Lester taught Alvin about pivotal modern dance figures, and taught Alvin many dance styles that ranged from classical ballet to Native American dance.

  • Moved to New York

    Moved to New York
    Alvin moved to New York in the hopes of dancing on Broadway. In New York, he studied under many great dance teachers, and even performed in three shows on Broadway.

  • Started the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

    Started the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
    Alvin founded his own dance company called the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. His dance theater is dedicated to adding to American modern dance, protecting the beauty of black culture and making dance an option for people it would not otherwise have been. Today, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has over 3,500 students from all over the world!

  • Choreographed Revelations

    Choreographed Revelations
    Alvin created the choreography, or movements, for his masterpiece, Revelations. Revelations is a ballet based on Alvin's childhood experiences in the church, learning gospel music and practicing hymns.

  • Died

    Died
    Alvin died of an infection that attacks the body's immune system at the age of 58.

  • Received Presidential Medal of Freedom

    Received Presidential Medal of Freedom
    Twenty-five years after Alvin's death, Former President Barrack Obama awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a very high honor. Obama wanted to make sure Alvin's accomplishments were recognized, even though he was gone. Alvin's dance company carries on his legacy through low-cost performances, open access to dance education and programs for people of all backgrounds.