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How Did Alvin Ailey Contribute To The Dance World

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Alvin Ailey was an extremely successful dancer and choreographer who broke the racial barriers of the dance world. Without Ailey, we wouldn’t have his artistic works and the racial divide between dancers still would be accepted in society. Ailey taught the dance world that being different should not only be accepted but encouraged. Also, he is a great example of a figure who overcame hardships to achieve their goals. Ailey has shown himself to be an inspiring individual who overcame racial prejudice and fought for equality, grew up in a single parent home, progressed in a dance career at a late age, and who has produced and created famous works. Alvin faced judgement and inequality throughout his life. Born into a time of racial discrimination, …show more content…

Lulu Cliff, Ailey's mother, was raised in the same town he had been born in, to a widowed father. Alvin Sr. and Lulu were introduced in church and they wed soon after. Alvin Sr. would be absent for most of Ailey's life, leaving Lulu on her own. The Ailey's were frequent church-goers, practicing in form of Baptist. Ailey's faith would play a large role in the music and tone of his pieces (Bio. Alvin Ailey Biography).The absence of his father, along with his faith, would affect Ailey's artistic creations along with his …show more content…

Ailey had finished off the school year before joining her. It was then, during a school fieldtrip to see Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo, that Alvin was introduced to the world of dance. One of Ailey's close friends introduced him to Lester Horton, a man who had fabricated the first official dance company to admit members of a plethora of races. After studying with Lester, Ailey was overwhelmed by the idea of a career in dance and was unsure of what he would persue (The World Encyclopedia of Biography: Alvin Ailey). Ailey finished high school before enrolling into The University of California. Although Alvin had a passion for his art, he questioned his place in the dance world. When Lester Horton unexpectedly passed, his company was handed down to Alvin. The gift of the dance troupe limited the beginning Ailey's career, but he soon moved on to production. Alvin stared on Broadway for a number of years. According to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, his most famous roles consisted of parts in "House of Flowers" and "Jamaica" (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) During this time he also continued to perfect his dancing, along with other classes to aid his

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