CRY
THE SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
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CRY
In this tutorial you will examine the sociohistoric context of the work Cry and investigate
how it has influenced the choreographer.
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AILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
CRY
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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AILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
CRY
“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)
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Activity
Define the term racism. Alvin Ailey was born in
rural Texas in the USA in 1931. Research the
history of Texas in the 1930’s using this link.
Focus on race relations between blacks and
whites. Consider segregation laws of the era.
AILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
CRY
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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AILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
CRY
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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CRY
AILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT
CRY
Examine the research material you have gathered based on the
socio-historic context of Alvin Ailey and his work.
Activity
Discuss how Alvin Ailey’s background and training
has contributed to the development of his
choreographic style. Use specific examples from his
body of work.
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