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

BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE

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.


Includes: An introduction to the performance, artists & venue, welcome message
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Additional writing by Sharon Adarlo and the team behind Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
Sound editing, sound design, and voiceover by Michael Aquino
Theme and outro music: NJPAC Hip Hop Arts and Culture Program
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Welcome message voiced by Nasha Thomas
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos

AFTER THE PERFORMANCE

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.


Includes: Reflection questions, a look at the life of Alvin Ailey
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Sound editing and design by Michael Aquino
Theme and outro music: NJPAC Hip Hop Arts and Culture Program
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Opening question voiced by Christopher Taylor
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos

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.


Includes: An exclusive interview with the national director of AileyCamp and a member of Ailey’s first company
Written and hosted by Dania Ramos
Sound editing and design theme by Michael Aquino
Theme and outro music: NJPAC Hip Hop Arts and Culture Program
Additional music from Epidemic Sound
Interview guests: Nasha Thomas and Christopher Taylor
Series producers: Michael Aquino and Dania Ramos

NJPAC On the Mic is produced in partnership with CM Studios.
NJPAC Arts Education performances team: Rosa Hyde, Treasure Borde, and Kendall Lipham
CM Studios producers: Michael Aquino, Dania Ramos
NJPAC and CM Studios are located in Essex County, New Jersey, situated on the traditional territory of the Leni Lenape people.

Episode links and sources
NJPAC | Arts Education programs: njpac.org/arts-education
NJPAC | About NJPAC: njpac.org/about
NJPAC resources | Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre: njpac.org/arts-education/teacher-resources
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre: alvinailey.org*
Alvin Ailey bio: alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/alvin-ailey*
Nasha Thomas bio: alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/nasha-thomas*
Christopher Taylor bio: alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/christopher-taylor*
Katherine Dunham bio: alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/katherine-dunham
Lester Horton bio: alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/lester-horton*
Revelations: alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/revelations*
Blues Suite: alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/blues-suite*