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How Did Alvin Ailey Contribute To Dance

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“Power is at the center of dance's position in culture.” (14). Often times, dance is overlooked as a powerful form of expression. Choreographer, Alvin Ailey, has been greatly influential in both the dance world and society. He surpassed what he had hoped to accomplish by creating a unique style of movement, having a resounding impact on the world of modern dance, founding his dance company and accomplishing praiseworthy works that has inspired many to carry on his legacy. When Alvin Ailey Jr. was about six months old, his father had left the family. This was the start of a very rough childhood for him. He was born in a time unlike today, where racial segregation was unquestionably prevalent in America. (1) In 1942, when Alvin was eleven years …show more content…

His praise was earned through his activism which managed to uplift modern dance to a popular stance, transforming the world of ballet. (6) Ailey said “The cultural heritage of the American Negro is one of America’s richest treasures. From his roots as a slave, the American Negro- sometimes sorrowing, sometimes jubilant but always hopeful- has touched, illuminated, and influenced the most remote preserves of world civilisation. I and my dance theatre celebrate this trembling beauty.” (10) The experience of growing up as an African American seemed to have both hurt and helped him. No other choreographer of African-American decent in his time could be even slightly comparable to Ailey’s success. The style of ballet and modern dance were predominately domain to white choreographers and performers. Even today, to some extent, they still are. Ailey was one of the first to modify the norm by inspiring multiethnic dance opportunities.(11) Ailey’s goal as a choreographer was not only to place emphasis on black culture, but moreover to completely remove the idea of colour itself. …show more content…

In 2014, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, being recognized as America’s most honourable citizen for his contributions to civil rights as well as dance. (12) He changed the world of dance, not only through technique, but through spirit. His main focus was to engage his audience, and connect with them both emotionally and physically. (4) Ailey was able to merge popular dance technique with the stories and experiences of black people, all while encouraging other choreographers to collaborate with him. He invented new opportunities for multiethnic dances through founding his company and school, giving others the chance to create. Some of his best works, for instance “Revelations”, is showcased to this very day, and seems to be a contribution itself that has lasted through time. After the death of Alvin Ailey on December 1, 1989, The New York Times remarked “you didn’t need to have known Alvin personally to have been touched by his humanity, enthusiasm, and exuberance and his courageous stand for multi-racial brotherhood.” (new york

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