The Ailey organization, which now includes two repertory companies, a school, and public classes, is dedicated to advancing the legacy of Alvin Ailey, the innovative choreographer, dancer, and cultural leader. Embracing Alvin Ailey’s belief that “dance came from the people and should always be given back to the people,” our performing arts community serves a crucial social function by using American modern dance and the humanity of African American heritage and other cultures to bring together people of all races, ages, and backgrounds.
As we mark our 65th anniversary season with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Black History Month becomes an especially significant time to emphasize Alvin Ailey’s vision, recognize his pioneering legacy, and celebrate the profound contributions of African Americans to the cultural landscape.
Today, we are delighted to announce a new partnership with Google Arts & Culture to make Alvin Ailey’s collections and history accessible to a wider audience. With 75 archival images and 4 digital stories shared online, you can trace Ailey’s legacy from his early years in rural Texas to New York. Here are some ways you can get started:
- Embark on a journey into Alvin Ailey’s dance legacy — discover his works that have captivated audiences for decades.
- Learn more about my journey in the world of dance and as Mr. Ailey’s successor as Artistic Director of the theater, and discover how Ailey is moving into the future.
- Delve into the world of Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations,” an iconic dance masterpiece that beautifully captures the essence of African American culture and spirituality.
- Explore how the Ailey organization has grown and learn about opportunities to enjoy live dance performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, train with The Ailey School, and participate in public dance classes for the community.
We are joining Google Arts & Culture’s new Performing Arts hub, which celebrates Black excellence in the performing arts, from dance to music to theater. You can explore Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis’ archives, learn about the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s early years, and learn about the Free Southern Theater with Amistad Research Center. Explore the origins of the Lindy Hop, from its birthplace in Harlem. You can continue to honor hip hop’s legacy with the HipHop2020 Innovation Archive and their spotlight on the role and contributions of women in hip-hop, or learn about an unexpected history with the Massachusetts Hip Hop Archive. Celebrate Black excellence on stage with Karamu Performing Arts Theatre, as they produce Langston Hughes’s Black Nativity.
