Key Dates- Ailey's life Flashcards
1931
Born in texas and raised by his mother. His mum was raped by White men. The community supported them through his childhood.
1930s Texas
A segregated, racially intolerant society. They lived and worked in physically demanding agricultural jobs. The Wall Street crash and the great depression.
1930s Religion
Baptisms were an integral part of life in the African American community. They were lowered into the water to cleanse their sins.
The church provided a safe haven for African American people. Ailey recalls the musty smells of benches and described it as ‘homely’. When they went to church they all wore their Sunday best.
Ailey’s education
George Washington Carver Junior High School.
Thomas Jefferson High School. This is where he met Carmen De Lavellarde whilst attending gymnastics who persuaded him to come to Lester Horton’s.
1943
Moved to L.A. to find more industrial work.
Mid 1940s
Ailey saw Ballet Russe
1953
Lester Horton dies at a young age. Started working for Lester Horton
1954
Studied with Graham, Dunham, and Widerman. Studied acting with Stella Adler. Took ballet class with Karel Shook. Did choreography with Humphrey
1954 (performance)
Performed in ‘House of Flowers’ with Carmen DeLavallade
1957
Performed in ‘Jamaica’ on Broadway, Choreographed by Jack Cole
1958
Founded AAADT
1962
The company became interracial
1965
Ailey stopped dancing at the age of 32 as he felt that he showed more promise as a choreographer than a dancer.
1967
Ailey was diagnosed with depression. He took 6 months off due to a psychological breakdown. He went on to have a further two years off.
1971
Ailey founded the Ailey School
