NPR: And finally today, few people have had a more improbable career in the arts than Alvin Ailey, a Black boy born into deep poverty in the segregated South at the height of the Great Depression. Yet somehow, he went on to become one of the critical figures in American dance, founding a company dedicated to exploring and celebrating African American culture in all its many colors through dance.
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What a historic accomplishment this is for the Alvin Ailey dance company! When I first started studying and learning different dance forms one of the first names I learned and was able to resonate with was Alvin Ailey. His story as a poor black boy living in the south to one of the most known American dance leaders and icon is so incredibly inspiring. Especially to those of us who are in the black community and do not tend to see ourselves in the ballet and contemporary art form specifically. To be able to be a black man in a field where men were seen as "less masculine" and completely conquer and evolve the art form. As well as inspire generations of black Americans through his work and dance company. Is a remarkable accomplish that many can not accomplish. I found this interview to be a great insight on how the Alvin Ailey dance company continuous to lift up Black Americans through the dances they perform through traditional songs such as "Wade in the Water."
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