From 1961 to 1994, legendary photographer Jack Mitchell captured thousands of moments with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Now, this treasure trove of dance history is available to the public for viewing via the online archives of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.
One way students can explore dance's past is by learning historical repertory. Ailey/Fordham BFA students take Black Traditions in American Dance and World Dance History, which are often coordinated with repertory classes. "The movement shows you a different side of what you're learning in the classroom," says Marie Paspe, a recent graduate of the program, who learned Blues Suite and Revelations from Ailey II artistic director emerita Sylvia Waters.
Learn the opening section of Alvin Ailey's iconic work.
MTV has launched a new interactive, anti-slavery campaign inspired by a winning entry in its "Against Our Will" project on the college network, mtvU.
The audience will see a diverse production when Ailey II, the renowned touring company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater family, kicks off the Park City Performing Arts Foundation's 2012-13 season on Friday, Novemeber 2.
The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey presented Ailey II for a series of performances at the Folly Theater. Thursday's performance featured two premieres, kick starting the series.
"I feel like I'm leaving my child!" calls out Dwana Smalwood, as the studio door clicks shut behind her. She feigns a weeping expression - wide eyes glancing backward, lithe arms gesturing loningly - then lets out a self-effacing laugh, knowing she'll be back right after lunch.
At the opening night of Ailey II's New York season in April, the last under Sylvia Waters' direction, the house was full of tears, cheers, and - before any dancing had even occured - a standing ovation.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a now-fabled performance in March 1958, at the 92nd Street Y in NEw York City. Led by Alvin AIley and a group of young African-American modern Dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance.
The members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are adept in what might be termed "extreme dancing" - the jumps seem trampoline-enhanced, the splits are frequently beyond a hundred and eighty degrees, and the drama is off the charts.