Portrait of Ailey
Watch Portrait of Ailey, a unique documentary in eight chapters about the life and work of our founder, Alvin Ailey.
Conceived and directed by Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters in collaboration with Dominique Singer and the Ailey Archives, this exceptional film series charts the course of Mr. Ailey’s life, from his early childhood influences to his professional collaborations with composers, designers, and generations of dancers. Combining rare archival performance footage of Mr. Ailey with interviews and historical images, Portrait of Ailey is a beautiful work of art as well as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about our founder and his artistic accomplishments.
Portrait of Ailey is also a unique learning tool for dance educators as well as social studies and history teachers in grades 9–12. By accessing Portrait of Ailey via PBS LearningMedia, educators can share videos with students online, use the “Build a Lesson” tool to craft curriculum-based lessons inspired by the films’ themes, and download handouts and discussion questions to engage your class in Mr. Ailey’s historic creative legacy.
"Portrait of Ailey" and each of its chapters are made available for educational use only. Commercial and all other use or distribution of "Portrait of Ailey", in whole or part, is strictly prohibited without the express written authorization of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc.
Chapter 1
Texas Roots
Alvin Ailey’s childhood—growing up in the rural South and witnessing baptismal ceremonies at his local church—offers the seeds for what will become his greatest choreographic influences.
Chapter 2
California
Alvin Ailey moves to California, where he is exposed to a vibrant culture of music, film, theatrical revues, and ballet, as he considers life as an artist.
Chapter 3
The Choreographer
Alvin Ailey begins his choreographic career while dancing with the Lester Horton Dance Company in Los Angeles, where he encourages dancers to move beyond their limitations and connect to their internal rhythms and energies.
Chapter 4
Worldwide Expansion
In New York, Alvin Ailey forms his company and creates his signature work Revelations, based on his memories of the rural South.
Chapter 5
The Total Dancer
Alvin Ailey hones his training philosophy, encouraging dancers to embrace classical, modern, and jazz techniques to become fully rounded artists.
Chapter 6
The Repertory
As his company expands, Alvin Ailey enriches his repertory with works inspired by artists and music, while preserving modern dance works of the past and inviting young choreographers to contribute to his “library of dance.”
Chapter 7
Legacy
Alvin Ailey reflects on a lifetime of achievements, and the hurdles he faced and overcame as a Black choreographer.
Chapter 8
Epilogue
Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters reflects on her motivation to create Portrait of Ailey, and what his legacy might mean for future generations.
Credits
Director: Sylvia Waters
Writer: Celina Davis
Producer & Editor: Trina Rodriguez
Consulting Editor: Eric Thiel
Editors: Adele Free Pham, Daven Baptiste
Sound Mixer: Jenna Emens
Archivist: Dominique Singer
Rights and clearances by Stylus Solutions LLC: Margarita Sullivan, Lydia O’Neil, Julie Hwang
"Portrait of Ailey" and each of its chapters are made available for educational use only. Commercial and all other use or distribution of "Portrait of Ailey", in whole or part, is strictly prohibited without the express written authorization of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc.
Watch More
To celebrate Juneteenth and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s historic return to Jacob’s Pillow, watch this discussion between Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters and dance critic and Jacob’s Pillow Scholar-in-Residence Zita Allen as they explore Alvin Ailey’s longtime connection to the Pillow. Learn how Mr. Ailey drew on his childhood memories to express resilience, joy, and our shared humanity, as they discuss his journey of building an enduring legacy.
Don't miss Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's return to Jacob’s Pillow, August 20-24. Get your tickets today!
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Hero Credits: Photo by John Lindquist. ©️ Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University, Photo by John Lindquist. ©️ Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University