Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey

Country

United States

Birth - Death

1931 - 1989

Occupation

Entertainment

Notable Achievements

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Description

Dancer and choreographer. Founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (1958), a contemporary multi-racial dance company that popularized modern dance and incorporated the African-American experience into dance. Formerly the Artistic Director, The Horton Dance Company. LGBTQ activist. Recipient of the Kennedy Centre Honour (1988) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014). Had a long term relationship with activist David McReynolds. Died of AIDS.

See Also

• LGBTQ Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Further Reading/Research

• http://www.alvinailey.org/
• http://www.biography.com/people/alvin-ailey-9177959
• http://www.pbs.org/wnet/freetodance/biographies/ailey.html

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