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A black and white photograph of two dancers performing in a studio. The dancer in the foreground is kneeling on one knee with her arms raised in an expressive pose, looking upward. The dancer in the background is partially visible, also in a dynamic pose. The studio has a wooden floor and mirrors on the walls.

Repertory

Creation of the World

COMPANIES

CHOREOGRAPHER

COMPANY PREMIERE

Delacorte Theatre, Central Park, 1962

WORLD PREMIERE

Lester Horton Dance Theater, 1954

DÉCOR & COSTUMES:

Ves Harper

LIGHTING

Nicola Cernovitch

Alvin Ailey reworked Creation of the World, a telling of the Adam and Eve story, three times. The second reworking appeared in 1960 as a duet for Mr. Ailey and Matt Turney, a Martha Graham Dance Company member. In the third version in 1962, Mr. Ailey added additional dancers, props, new costumes, and enhanced production values. 

A black and white photo of dancers James Truitte and Alvin Ailey in mid-performance. The dancers are positioned low to the ground with legs and arms extended, wearing dark costumes. The background features large, draped fabric and is dark, highlighting the dancers.

James Truitte and Alvin Ailey in Mr. Ailey's Creation of the World Photo courtesy of the Ailey Archives

A black and white photograph of two dancers performing in a studio. The dancer in the foreground is kneeling on one knee with her arms raised in an expressive pose, looking upward. The dancer in the background is partially visible, also in a dynamic pose. The studio has a wooden floor and mirrors on the walls.

Thelma Hill and Minnie Marshall in Alvin Ailey's Creation of the World Photo courtesy of the Ailey Archives