Alvin Ailey had a struggle throughout his life dance career because of the time he lived in. As a black dancer, he made many improvements and break throughs for black men and women in the dance world.
He was born in a time of racism and struggles for everyone during the great depression. Dance is what helped him overcome these obstacles. In 1953, Ailey joined his first dance school, Horton Dance Company. He eventually opened a dance company of his own called the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which is open even today. Ailey died in 1989 leaving his company to flourish and carry on his legend. This was left in the hands of Sylvia Waters, who is now the artistic director.
After watching the video from So You Think You Can Dance, it becomes prevalent that the lighting choices are one that is very focused and pointed. The outfits/costumes show a sense of sameness from the plain black costumes. The moves are strong and stiff with a very dramatic ending that leaves the person watching in awe.
The second video is merely a collaboration of pictures from Ailey's famous pieces and shows off his amazing dancers.
He was born in a time of racism and struggles for everyone during the great depression. Dance is what helped him overcome these obstacles. In 1953, Ailey joined his first dance school, Horton Dance Company. He eventually opened a dance company of his own called the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which is open even today. Ailey died in 1989 leaving his company to flourish and carry on his legend. This was left in the hands of Sylvia Waters, who is now the artistic director.
After watching the video from So You Think You Can Dance, it becomes prevalent that the lighting choices are one that is very focused and pointed. The outfits/costumes show a sense of sameness from the plain black costumes. The moves are strong and stiff with a very dramatic ending that leaves the person watching in awe.
The second video is merely a collaboration of pictures from Ailey's famous pieces and shows off his amazing dancers.