Training of the Highest Caliber
The Ailey School offers world-class,
diversified dance training
for students ages 3 to 25.
Does Alvin Ailey have a school of dance?
Training of the Highest Caliber
The Ailey School offers world-class,
diversified dance training
for students ages 3 to 25.
Why did Ailey open a school?
A Creative Home
He founded the School in Brooklyn in 1969,
making professional dance training accessible to all students
. The School thrived because of the community of people, the inspiring teachers dedicated to dance.
Where did Alvin Ailey study dance?
After seeing the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo perform, Ailey was inspired to pursue dancing. He began studying modern dance with Lester Horton in 1949. He joined
Horton’s dance company
the following year.
When did Alvin Ailey move to Los Angeles?
Alvin Ailey, Jr. Having moved with his family to Los Angeles in
1942
, Ailey became involved with the Lester Horton Dance Theater there in 1949. Following Horton’s death in 1953, Ailey was director of the company until it disbanded in 1954.
What killed Alvin Ailey?
Ailey’s physician, attributed his death to
terminal blood dyscrasia
, a rare disorder that affects the bone marrow and red blood cells. The troupe he founded in 1958, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, became the most popular dance company on the international touring circuit.
How much do Alvin Ailey dancers make?
At a large, international company, dancers make more. For example, a new dancer in Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater makes at least $775 a week during rehearsal and performance periods. By his or her fourth year in the company, that wage rises to
$1,026
.
Are all Alvin Ailey dancers black?
In the company’s first years,
all performers were African American
, reflecting its founder’s commitment to provide a place where black dancers could avoid pervasive discrimination. However, in 1963, the troupe became racially integrated, as Ailey protested against quotas and discrimination of any kind.
What is Alvin Ailey’s school called?
The Ailey School
is the official training school for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The Ailey School was founded in 1969 in Brooklyn, NY by dancer/choreographer Alvin Ailey (1931-1989).
Why is Alvin Ailey considered a dance legend?
Ailey made an immeasurable impact around the world of dance. By
weaving African American themes into his dances
, he ushered in a new era of concert dance. In 2014, President Barack Obama selected Ailey to be a posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
What is the main idea of Alvin Ailey?
Ailey wanted
to create a company that allowed African American dancers to display their talents and to express their experiences and heritage
. Decades later, when he formed the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, it was one of the first professional companies where dancers of all races and backgrounds were welcome.
How long did Alvin Ailey dance?
After
13 years
, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre was a monumental success.
What style of dance is Alvin Ailey?
Alvin Ailey didn’t create a specific dance technique. Rather, he
blended elements of modern dance, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and other styles
. His dancers reflect this dance diversity in their varied training and talents.
Why did Alvin Ailey move to LA?
After his parents separated, Ailey moved to Los Angeles in
1942 with his mother
. There, he fell in love with the style of modern dance master Lester Horton, with its radical mix of dance and theatrics.
Who did Pearl Primus work with?
In 1965, for example, she choreographed four out of the five works performed by
Percival Borde and Company
—Beaded Mask, Earth Magician, War Dance, and Impinyuza.
Who were Alvin Ailey’s parents?
Alvin Ailey, Jr. was the only child of
Lula Elizabeth Ailey and Alvin Ailey, Sr.
born in the Central Texas town of Rogers. His father abandoned the family when Ailey was only six months old.
