Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at Wang Theatre

Alvin Ailey was a Texas-born dancer and founder of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. His experiences growing up in the rural south inspired some of his most groundbreaking works. Ailey became an accomplished dancer and performed in various significant productions, including Broadway shows House of Flowers and Jamaica.

In 1958, Alvin Ailey founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. With this new dance company, he will dedicate his life and career to promoting the African-American culture through dance. On March 30, 1958, Ailey and a group of young, black modern dancers, performed at New York’s 92nd Street YM-YWHA. The same year, he performed Ariette Oubliee with two other accomplished dancers. The music of Claude Debussy accompanied the exquisite work. Another sensation performance launched by the dance company was titled Blues Suite. The show was regarded as his first masterpiece thanks to the exemplary creative work representing real people on stage. The company’s first year in the dance business has also resulted in other masterpieces like Cinco Latinos and Ode and Homage (both choreographed by Ailey). In 1969, the company opened its dance academy, now known as The Ailey School.

Ailey received numerous prestigious awards for his works. In 1988, he received Kenney Center Honor for his exceptional contribution to the American culture. He died the following year, but people still felt the impact of his legacy. In 2014, he was posthumously awarded the highest civilian honor in the U.S., the Presidential Medal of Freedom – for his contributions to civil rights and dance in America.

Experience Alvin Ailey’s legacy when you see Alvin Ailey Dance Theater perform at the Wang Theatre on Friday, 5th May 2023. Tickets are now available!