Bill T. Jones remembers the first time he met Alvin Ailey
Clip: 1/11/2022 | 2m 11sVideo has Closed Captions
"I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color," said Jones upon meeting Ailey.
In this outtake from "Ailey," Bill T. Jones, guest choreographer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recalls telling Alvin Ailey that he did not want to be considered a "Black choreographer," and Ailey reacting with compassion. "Now I can say it with confidence, but I was lonely," said Jones. "I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color."
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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...
Bill T. Jones remembers the first time he met Alvin Ailey
Clip: 1/11/2022 | 2m 11sVideo has Closed Captions
In this outtake from "Ailey," Bill T. Jones, guest choreographer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recalls telling Alvin Ailey that he did not want to be considered a "Black choreographer," and Ailey reacting with compassion. "Now I can say it with confidence, but I was lonely," said Jones. "I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color."
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The story of a visionary artist who found salvation through dance. (1m 1s)
Ailey 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)
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 sponsorship
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...