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Junior High-shcool
Alvin took a trip to the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, saw a performance
Motivated by Katherine Dunham’s Dance Company and Lester Horton Dance Theater classes Alvin started his dance career
Lester Horton’s Dance Theater was one of the first racially integrated dance company which was founded by Lester roughly in 1932 -
Death of Mr. Horton
Mr. Horton died and Alvin then became the director of the Lester Horton Dance Theater -
Broadway
Performed the House of Flowers for a Broadway show in New York
With his good friend Carmen de Lavallade -
In the following YearsIn new york
Alvin studied with many other well known dancers such as Martha Graham, Charles Weidman and Doris Humphrey
He also won many acting roles during his time in New York -
The Dance Theater
Alvin founded his own dance company called “Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater”
This dance company was created to preserve the American dance heritage as well as black cultural expression
March 30th was the young black modern dancers first performance as part of the company -
Revelations
Alvin choreographed Revelations
His religious heritage as a youth -
International Tour
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater went on International Tour
The tour included performances in: South East Asia and Australia, which was part of the “President’s Special International Program for Cultural Presentations” for John F. Kennedy -
“My People: First Negro Centennial”
His dance company performed in Chicago “My People: First Negro Centennial”
Which was collaborated with Duke Ellington
The company also performed at the Rio de Janeiro International Arts Festival -
Judith danced her first performance
Judith Jamison danced in her first performance with Alvin, after seeing one of his performances in 1963
She stays in his dance company for the next 15 years and becomes one of his best recognized dancers -
The Negro Arts festival
The dance company performs in the first Negro Arts Festival
Alvin also choreographs Antony and Cleopatra for the Lincoln Center -
TV
A televised dance that featured Alvin’s choreography won a prestigious television production award -
The Olympics
“Revelations” is performed for the Olympic ceremony in Mexico City
His company also performs for President Johnson at the Whitehouse -
Theater moves
The Dance Theater moved to Brooklyn Academy of Music where Alvin establishes a school -
"Cry"
The Dance Theater performs “Cry”
This dance becomes such a success he is invited to perform it at the New York City Center again 3 months later
The performance brings more attention to Alvin’s choreography and Judith Jamison’s dancing -
PBS
PBS broadcasts “Memories and Visions” on TV to televise his students -
For Judith
Pas de Duke is performed for Judith Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov
He receives keys to New York City -
Studio 54
The Dance Theater performs for the inaugural gala at the White House for Jimmy Carter
The Theater also performs at the opening night of the Studio 54 -
More White house performances
Another performance at the White House for Jimmy Carter
Also the Theaters 20th Anniversary -
"Spell"
Judith Jamison and Alexander Godunov perform “Spell” at Alvin’s opening night gala -
Peace Medal
The American Dance Center Receives the United Nations Peace Medal -
"Precipice"
Alvin Choreographs “Precipice” for the Paris Opera Ballet
The Theater celebrates their 25th anniversary
Kansas City Friends is also founded -
China
The Theater company goes on a government-sponsored tour to the People’s Republic of China
-The first modern dance company to do this -
Dance Festival Award
Alvin receives modern dances greatest award, the Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award -
Anniversary
The Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime contribution to American culture through performing arts is given to Alvin
This is the Nations highest distinction for creative artists
He also receives the Handel Medallion, the highest cultural honor
The Theater celebrates its 30th anniversary -
Cosby
Bill Cosby tributes Alvin with “Cosby Salutes Ailey”
Alvin Ailey died December 1st
Judith Jamison became the Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater