A Tribute to Alvin Ailey

For the American dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) dance is an international art which discloses itself to all people because it doesn"t require any spoken language. Everywhere that the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre appeared, the audiences greeted the harmonic beauty, the dynamic movements and the dance-like expression of the soloists with great enthusiasm. Ailey choreographed 79 ballets and developed his own style using modern dance, jazz and classical ballet. His pieces relate amusing and earnest stories of the black inhabitants of North America. His choreographs are an expression of their deep faith as well as their grace, their sorrow and their joy of living. And of course they have a special energy and sensuality because Ailey mainly choreographed his pieces to "black" music by using elements of blues, spirituals, jazz and soul.