Richard Termine for The New York Times
Jan. 5, 1931 - Dec. 1, 1989
Alvin Ailey rose from a childhood of extreme poverty in the segregated world of small-town Texas to become a leading figure in the establishment of modern dance as a popular art form in America.
As a choreographer, dancer and director, Mr. Ailey also played an important role in establishing black modern dance. He became a noted Broadway dancer and, starting in the late 1950's, a choreographer of work that explored a wide range of the black experience.
The troupe he founded in 1958, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, became the most popular dance company on the international touring circuit. At home and abroad, the company was known for its vibrant artistry and repertory, and for Mr. Ailey's motivating humanist vision.-- Jennifer Dunning, December 2, 1989
Highlights From the Archives
The nearly half-century history of the Alvin Ailey troupe will find a stage at the Library of Congress.January 29, 2006 artsNews
Alvin Ailey had a love-hate relationship with fame. Ailey’s 1971 “Flowers” is a product of that push and pull.December 13, 2007 artsReview
ARTICLES ABOUT ALVIN AILEY
With curving arms, tilting balances and crisp footwork, the Dance Theater of Harlem’s members took to the stage on Thursday at the Prospect Park Bandshell.
August 2, 2014, Saturday
The choreographer Paul Taylor is collaborating with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s artistic director, Robert Battle, on a staging of Mr. Taylor’s “Arden Court.”
December 4, 2011, Sunday
At City Center on Thursday, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performed the premiere of “Home,” by Rennie Harris.
December 3, 2011, Saturday
The summer program of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater is free to enrolled participants, who are from the Newark public schools.
August 7, 2011, Sunday
Members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater discuss “Revelations” as they prepare to celebrate the dance’s 50th anniversary.
November 30, 2010, Tuesday
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater goes beyond its classic “Revelations” in a devotional program that includes the long-neglected “Mary Lou’s Mass” (1971).
June 14, 2010, Monday
The Alvin Ailey dance company shines the spotlight on “Mary Lou’s Mass,” a collaboration between Ailey and Mary Lou Williams, the jazz pianist and composer.
June 6, 2010, Sunday
Cultural luminaries on the legacy of the choreographer, dancer and director.
November 30, 2008, Sunday
A 50th anniversary national celebration commemorating the first appearance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater begins on Sunday.
March 27, 2008, Thursday
Alvin Ailey had a love-hate relationship with fame. Ailey’s 1971 “Flowers” is a product of that push and pull.
December 13, 2007, Thursday
Images of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from the past and present.
William C. Rhoden discusses dance as an athletic endeavor with Alicia Graf Mack, a dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.