Previews + Extras
Ailey
S36 E1 - 1m 1s
Discover the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey whose dances center on the Black American experience with grace, strength and beauty. Featuring previously unheard audio interviews with Ailey, interviews with those close to him and an intimate glimpse into the Ailey studios today.
Rennie Harris on the power of the choreographer
S36 E1 - 57s
Rennie Harris, PureMovement choreographer, describes how choreographers are responsible for their dancers. "Mr. Ailey, he used to train moving through spaces and shifting geographies and people and we needed that bullet train."
Alvin Ailey on Chauncey Green, the friend who saved his life
S36 E1 - 2m 56s
Ailey describes his "blood memories" and growing up during the Great Depression in Texas, where he met a friend who had a lasting impact on his life. "Chauncey saved my life. ... Chauncey Green, I shall never forget him."
Ailey's "Revelations" draws on African American spirituals
S36 E1 - 2m 24s
Ailey described "Revelations" as "an evening-long saga about the Black experience," and the performance had a huge impact on Black dancers when it premiered in 1960. "I was moved to tears seeing 'Revelations,'" said Mary Barnett, Ailey's rehearsal director from 1975 to 1979.
Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey
S36 E1 - 1m 51s
Rennie Harris was tapped by Robert Battle, Ailey Artistic Director, to choreograph a piece about Ailey for the 60th anniversary of the company. To prepare, the two reviewed archival footage of Ailey discussing his process. "I just sit there and watch to find out what made Mr. Ailey, Mr. Ailey," said Harris.
Bill T. Jones remembers the first time he met Alvin Ailey
S36 E1 - 2m 11s
In this outtake from "Ailey," Bill T. Jones, guest choreographer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recalls telling Alvin Ailey that he did not want to be considered a "Black choreographer," and Ailey reacting with compassion. "Now I can say it with confidence, but I was lonely," said Jones. "I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color."
Ailey dancers reflect on company's scrappy beginnings
S36 E1 - 1m 51s
In this outtake from "Ailey," former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company. There was a "burden that was on him to keep us all working and to make sure that [his] dancers [felt] cared for and loved," recalls Judith Jamison, Ailey dancer (1965-1979) and Artistic Director (1989-2011).
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