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American Masters

Ailey dancers reflect on company's scrappy beginnings

Former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company.

Aired 01/11/2022

American Masters

Ailey dancers reflect on company's scrappy beginnings

Clip: 1/11/2022 | 1m 51sVideo has Closed Captions

Former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company.

In this outtake from "Ailey," former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company. There was a "burden that was on him to keep us all working and to make sure that [his] dancers [felt] cared for and loved," recalls Judith Jamison, Ailey dancer (1965-1979) and Artistic Director (1989-2011).

Aired 01/11/2022

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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

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Ailey's "Revelations" performance depicted the "Black experience." (2m 24s)

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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)

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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...

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