ALVIN AILEY

ALVIN AILEY

Alvin was born on January 5, 1931 in Texas.Alvin was a choreographer and founder of American dance theater in 1958. He became a leading figure of 20th century modern dance.

                                                           

Alvin grew up poor in a small town of Navasota.His father left him and his mother when Alvin was very young.Later he drew inspiration from black church services,a local dance hall.At the age of 12,he left Texas and moved to Los Angels.

In Los Angels,he was proved to be a gifted student in many ways.He excelled in languages and athletics.

After seeing the Ballet Russ e De Monte Carlo perform,Alvin was inspired to pursue dancing.He began studying modern dance Horten in 1949.

 

In1954,Alvin made his broadway debut In Truman Capote's short lived musical "House of Flowers".

Alvin served as lead dancer in another Broadway  musical Jamaica starring Lena Horne and Ricardo Montal Ban in 1957.

While in New York Alvin had a chance to study dance with Martha Graham and acting with Sletla Adler.

Alvin achieved the greatest fame with his own dance company tat was founded in 1958.Same year he debuted Blues suite,a piece that drew from his southern roots.

His another major work was  'Revelations',which drew inspiration from African American music of his youth.

According to Alvin American dance theater website Revelations came from Ailvin's "Blood memories of his childhood" in Texas and Baptist church .

In 1960's Alvin took his company on road .The US state department sponsored his tour which helped create his international reputation.

He stopped performing in mid 1960's but he continued to choreograph numerous masterpieces.

Alvin's Masakala language which probed the experience being black in South Africa,premiered in 1969.

He also founded Alvin Ailey American dance center the same year.He also expanded his company by establishing Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble the same year.

During his career Alvin choreographed 80 ballets.

In 1988 he was honored by Kennedy center for his contribution to the arts..

Alvin died at the age of 58,on December 1,1989 at Lenox Hill hospital,New York.

After the death of Alvin even today his work is being appreciated and inspired by many..