Alvin Ailey
Rogers, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Revered as a pioneer in modern dance, Alvin Ailey was an internationally-recognized choreographer credited for incorporating African American movements into 20th century concert dance. Ailey was born in Rogers, a small rural community in eastern Bell County, to Lula Elizabeth Cliff (1912-1944) and Alvin Ailey, Sr. (1911-1974). While still an infant, Alvin’s parents separated. Growing up in Rogers and other small towns in Texas, Ailey was influenced by church services, music and movement in the black community. Searching for employment, Lula and Alvin moved to Los Angeles in 1942. There were many opportunities for Alvin to expand and foster his creative gifts. In high school, Alvin met modern dance teacher Lester Horton. At Lester Horton Studios, Alvin developed his craft and gained confidence. After Lester died suddenly in 1953, Alvin took over the company and moved it to New York City. He danced and acted in several Broadway plays and musicals and two motion pictures. In 1958, Ailey created Blues Suite, which became his first masterpiece. He followed with the equally moving ballet, Revelations, in 1960. Both works drew upon his childhood and represented African American traditions, struggles, values and joys. Throughout his career, Ailey earned many awards and garnered significant firsts. Ailey’s dance company, educational centers and scholarships helped sustain black concert dance in the twentieth century while his ballets facilitated an appreciation for Black culture in music and literature. (2013)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in the small Bell County community of Rogers in 1931, Alvin Ailey grew up steeped in the church services, music, and movement of rural Black Texas before his family moved to Los Angeles in 1942. Mentored by modern-dance teacher Lester Horton, he took over Horton's company after his death in 1953 and carried it to New York. His 1958 masterpiece Blues Suite and the 1960 ballet Revelations drew on those Texas roots to celebrate African American tradition, struggle, and joy on the concert stage.
Why it matters
Ailey brought African American movement and experience into the heart of American concert dance, and the company and schools he built sustained Black dance for generations.
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Related people
- · Alvin Ailey
- · Lester Horton
Themes & tags
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