
Ailey
Preview: 1/11/2022 | 1m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
The story of a visionary artist who found salvation through dance.
Discover the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey whose dances center on the Black American experience with grace, strength and beauty. Featuring previously unheard audio interviews with Ailey, interviews with those close to him and an intimate glimpse into the Ailey studios today.
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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

Ailey
Preview: 1/11/2022 | 1m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
Discover the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey whose dances center on the Black American experience with grace, strength and beauty. Featuring previously unheard audio interviews with Ailey, interviews with those close to him and an intimate glimpse into the Ailey studios today.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch American Masters
American Masters is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
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A front row seat to the creative process
How do today’s masters create their art? Each episode an artist reveals how they brought their creative work to life. Hear from artists across disciplines, like actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, singer-songwriter Jewel, author Min Jin Lee, and more on our podcast "American Masters: Creative Spark."Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipAiley dancers reflect on company's scrappy beginnings
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Former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company. (1m 51s)
Ailey's "Revelations" draws on African American spirituals
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Ailey's "Revelations" performance depicted the "Black experience." (2m 24s)
Alvin Ailey on Chauncey Green, the friend who saved his life
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Ailey describes his "blood memories" and an impactful friendship. (2m 56s)
Bill T. Jones remembers the first time he met Alvin Ailey
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"I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color," said Jones upon meeting Ailey. (2m 11s)
Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey
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Rennie Harris choreographed a piece about Ailey for the 60th anniversary of the company. (1m 51s)
Rennie Harris on the power of the choreographer
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Rennie Harris describes how choreographers are responsible for their dancers. (57s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipSupport for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...