A brief biography of modern dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey.
Themes:
Holidays:
 | 1931-1989 Choreographer Birthplace: Rogers, TX |
Alvin Ailey was a modern dancer and choreographer known for his theatrical, energetic dances that combined modern, jazz, and African dance elements. He studied dance in the 1950s with Martha Graham and Charles Weidman before forming the internationally acclaimed, multiracial Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. His dances include "Blue Swan" (1958), "Night Creature" (1975) and "Precipice" (1983).
Famous Quote: "Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people."
Printables & Suggested Activities
Revelations: Alvin Ailey, Jr. (Grades 5-8)
Share the story of Alvin Ailey, Jr. with your students, and assign the related activities as a way to learn more about this creative dancer and choreographer.
Dance Word Scramble (Grades 3-6)
Children will solve each word puzzle and use reference materials to define each type of dance. Then, they will write a report about the origins of the dance.
Web Resource
Alvin Ailey
Home page for Alvin Ailey's American Dance Theater. Find touring information.
http://www.alvinailey.org/
 | Return to the Encyclopedia of Prominent African Americans. |
