artists who inspire

Alvin AileyNorman Maxon, New York Public Library

This month we are highlighting a #blackartist each week that has been a major influencer in the arts community and beyond. 

Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) was an African American dancer, director, choreographer, activist, and founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Ailey was known for taking his life experiences growing up in the rural south and turning it into storytelling and thought provoking modern dance works.  

As once a student of Lester Horton, who was the founder of one of the first racially integrated dance companies in the US, Ailey went on to create his own legacy through his dance company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, that would continue to inspire future generations of dancers to become performers, choreographers, teachers and plenty more. 

More:

• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater video of Revelations choreographed by Alvin Ailey 
• Current video of his company’s newer works