alvin ailey american dance theater resources

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a uniquely American modern dance company known for its vibrant blend of modern, ballet, and other dance styles. Audience members will be treated to a captivating experience that will touch their hearts and inspire a greater appreciation for dance and the arts.

In the 1950s, dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey envisioned a company where African-American dancers could display their talents and skills and express their experiences and heritage. He gathered a group of young African-American modern dancers, and they premiered their first performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. That now-fabled performance forever changed the perception of American dance with its expressiveness, technical prowess, and influences from African-American culture.

The Company’s early days were spent traveling on what Alvin Ailey called ‘the station wagon tours,’ where dancers were transported from performance to performance in a station wagon driven by one of Ailey’s friends. From these modest beginnings, Ailey has grown to be one of the foremost modern dance companies in the world. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is NJPAC’s principal resident dance affiliate.

ABOUT THE NJPAC ON THE MIC PODCAST

NJPAC On the Mic allows students to engage their listening skills and deepen their understanding of creative content. This installment features three exclusive, curriculum standard-aligned episodes that supplement Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, presented as part of NJPAC’s 2023-2024 SchoolTime Performances series.

How to Listen to njpac on the mic podcast

Episode: ABOUT (7 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for an introduction to the
performance, the artist or company, and the venue.

Episode: CONNECT (10 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for reflection questions, a closer
look at an aspect of the performance such as historical context or background on
the art form, and a brief selection of vocabulary words.

Episode: SPOTLIGHT (10 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for an exclusive interview with
an artist from the production or an NJPAC staff member followed by discussion
prompts.