Program Note

Alvin Ailey was a dance pioneer and a legendary choreographer in the United States. The documentary weaves together two stories: how Hip hop choreographer Rennie Harris was preparing a piece on Ailey’s life and how Alvin Ailey’s mind operated to create genius performances. The documentary offers an insight into Alvin’s legacy and the impact he had on the dance industry and society in general. Alvin was born in 1931 in Texas when Jim Crow laws were still around. His movement was deeply inspired by African American identity and history which he implemented into the modern American dance world. In 1958 he founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The dance pioneer lived an isolated life, but his legacy set a rich foundation for modern American dance today. (KIM Sohye)

Director

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  • Jamila Wignot