Alvin Ailey's work was heavily influenced by the social and political events of the 1950s-1960s in America. During this time, Ailey faced prejudice as a black dancer trying to break into the modern dance scene in New York. He was inspired by the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. and incorporated spirituals, blues, and traditional black music into his choreography to showcase black culture and experience. Ailey founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 to provide opportunities for black dancers and share black stories through dance.

1. A2
Social Impacts On Alvin Ailey/AAADT

2. Is it ever possible to create work ignoring
the society it had been created in?
Why?

3. Learning Objective
• To understand the impact that the social
events during Alvin Ailey's’ life time effected
his work.

4. What impact can society play on the
work of an artist?
Write down your thoughts on the back of Page 11

5. • Ailey moves to Los Angeles
• After World War II
• USA- 50’s and 60’s
• Preconception of Black Dancers
• Ailey’s Reaction

6. 1950s and1960s
• Political and Social upheaval -Civil
Rights movement
• Martin Luther King and Ailey
• Difficulty breaking into the modern
dance scene in New York
• Decision to call his company AAADT

7. Was there any evidence of elitism in
the dance scene in America in the
1940’s-1960’s?

8. What impact can society play on the
work of an artist?

9. Prior to Ailey in Dance Context
• African American spirituals and traditional
music were already being used in modern
dance e.g. Katherine Durham
• Most white choreographers focused their
work on the oppression of Slaves

10. Ailey’s Childhood
• Was born in 1931
• Blues Suite (1958)
• Living in Southern USA