Alvin Ailey Essay
Alvin Ailey was an African-American modern dancer and choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (http://www.alvinailey.org/about/people). His self-titled company was started in 1958 with the goal of preserving American modern dance while also evolving it through the addition of African American cultural aspects (abt). Ailey later founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, now The Ailey School, and the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, now Ailey II (http://www.alvinailey.org/about/people). Ailey was raised in a time of racial segregation and so, as an adult, he aimed to make dance education available for all people, including those of color (https://www.theaileyschool.edu/ailey-school/about/history).
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He grew up seeing the two dancers in many films. Ailey maintained an interest in athletic activities and joined his high school’s gymnastics team, but he was first exposed to the dance world through performances by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the Katherine Dunham Dance Company (http://www.alvinailey.org/about/people). Alvin Ailey first began to take classes at one of the first integrated dance companies in the country, the Lester Horton Dance Theater (abt). After the owner’s death in 1953, Ailey ran the company for a few years, choreographing in Horton’s style, before moving on to dance on Broadway (notable biographies). Ailey began his own company in 1958.
Much of Ailey’s work contains visible balletic roots. When viewing his piece Blues Suite, many ballet steps are used, including fouette jumps, posses, and arabesque turns. A pointed foot is also commonly used in the phrase (youtube). However, ballet is not the only classic style which has influenced Ailey’s choreography. Many aspects of jazz can be seen in Blues Suite as well. Ailey utilizes straight arms and sharp movements, which contradict classical ballet’s curved arms and flowing nature. These non-balletic accents are common aspects of jazz dance which was derived from African culture (class
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