Dance is the hidden language of the soul. It� is also an international language. Dancing is the ability to speak volumes to hundreds of people without using any words. To dance takes strength, artistry and passion. You can express any emotion possible in the most beautiful form. Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It’s the rhythm of your life. Its the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy.

The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance. Over 50 years later, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has come to be known as a cultural ambassador to the world.� Do visit their website at www.alvinailey.org.

Alvin Ailey ((January 5, 1931 � December 1, 1989), an African-American from a small rural town in Texas, founded the all-black company in 1958. He wanted to give voice to a population all-too-often unheard from, and to reflect the joy � and sadness � of the American black community. Until his death in 1989, not only did he choreograph 79 ballets and run an incredibly successful international dance company, he worked tirelessly to include the public � to �break the wall between performer and public�, for, as he put it, �dance is for everybody.�� Ailey is credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in 20th century concert dance.

Alvin Ailey

Ailey’s choreographic masterpiece �Revelations,� �a stylized, elegant combination of ballet and modern dance set to the music of Negro spirituals, is believed to be the best-known and most often seen modern dance performance. For this signature work, Ailey drew upon his “blood memories” of Texas, the blues, spirituals, and gospel, resulting in the creation of his most popular and critically acclaimed work.

Though Ailey created 79 works for his dancers, he maintained that his company was not merely a showcase for his own work. Today, the company continues Ailey’s vision by performing important works from the past and commissioning new additions to the repertoire. In all, more than 200 works by over 70 choreographers have been performed by the company.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performer

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performer

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performers

Ailey was proud that his company was multi-racial. While he wanted to give opportunities to black dancers, who were frequently excluded from performances by racist attitudes at the time, he also wanted to rise above issues of negritude. His company always employed artists based solely on artistic talent and integrity regardless of their race

Cry (1971), was one of Ailey’s greatest successes. He dedicated it to his mother and black women everywhere. It became a signature piece for Judith Jamison who has been leading the company as its Artistic Director since Ailey�s death.

Jamison �says she wants audiences to be �touched in their hearts, in their spirits, and in their minds � I want them to feel lifted when they leave the theatre, to feel changed � and to feel as if the experience belongs to them – and that they want to share it�.

Judith Jamison - Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

A rhythm begins in your soul

Your body moves

The music flows

Into your veins

A throbbing pulse of

A drumbeat primeval

Voices hypnotizing

Melody and rhyme

Beat of bass and drummer

Feet that move in time to

Guitar, sax and keyboards

The wail of clarinet

A song�s intoxication

Lovers� silhouette

Senses play the music

Feet and hearts and hands

Romance and dreams transforming

In the alchemy of dance

~ Winsome

Are you touched? Shall we dance?