Alvin Ailey’s Texas Roots | Portrait of Ailey

Learn about Alvin Ailey’s roots in Texas and how they influenced his choreography. Through archival video and images of Ailey’s first works, we see the artist’s passion and perseverance form his identity and his pathway toward dance as an expressive and inclusive art form. The support materials help students reflect upon the video and deepen their understanding of dance as a form of self-expression. Using their prior experiences and knowledge, students are encouraged to think of themselves as creators in response to the artistry of Alvin Ailey and his life trajectory.