CRY

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THE SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
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In this tutorial you will examine the
socio-historic context of the work Cry and
investigate how it has influenced the
choreographer.
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AILEYS SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
In an interview Alvin Ailey once described his
work Revelations being about his blood
memories.What do you think that he means by this
statement? How do you think blood memories may
differ from experienced memories? Discuss the
significance of his statement in relation to Cry.
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CRY
AILEYS SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
Black lives were as peaceful and secure as
racism and poverty would allow.(Dunning, J.
1998. Alvin Ailey A Life in Dance. Da Capo
Press, USA)
Activity Define the term racism. Alvin Ailey was
born in rural Texas in the USA in 1931. Research
the history of Texas in the 1930s using this
link. Focus on race relations between blacks and
whites. Consider segregation laws of the era.
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AILEYS SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
Although Alvin Ailey had the love and support of
his mother Lula when he was a child, he was
exposed to extreme racism and violence due to
circumstances beyond their control.
Activity Discuss the impact this would have had
on Ailey in his early years. How is this evident
in his work as an artist?
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AILEYS SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT

• Activity
• Create a time line of significant events in the
  life of Alvin Ailey. Include the following
• early years/family/relationship with his mother
  
• formal education
• dance training/influences
• phases of his career as a dancer and
  choreographer
• establishment of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre
  and its development as a company.

Use the links on the following screen to assist
your research.
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RESEARCH LINKS
Alvin Ailey biography alvinailey.org pbs.org Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theatre time
line alvinailey.org
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AILEYS SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
Examine the research material you have gathered
based on the socio-historic context of Alvin
Ailey and his work.
Activity Discuss how Alvin Aileys background and
training has contributed to the development of
his choreographic style. Use specific examples
from his body of work.