6 Dancers Share What Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 60th Anniversary Means to Them

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “Samantha Figgins (joined in 2014):u00a0”, “credit”: “”, “description”: “u003cpu003e”To me, the history of the company shows that we all have the right to dream. And when you dream with purpose, others will believe in your dreams and, in turn, they’ll believe more in their own. To carry on Mr. Ailey’s legacy means I’ve been entrusted with a responsibility. This company has fought to be a pillar in the dance community and become a household name, so I must approach the work with the same dignity and respect of those that came before me. It’s an opportunity to bring those values and culture to my generation.”u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Andrew Eccles, courtesy Aileyu003c/pu003e”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “Glenn Allen Sims (joined in 1997):”, “credit”: “”, “description”: “u003cpu003e”When the company turned 40, I had no idea that my journey with Ailey would last for two decades. I’ve been groomed by some of the greats that sat next to Mr. Ailey. I’m grateful that I’m a part of the history of Ailey men. The company’s history and legacy are very dear to me. The reason I’m an Ailey man today is because I saw a photograph taken by Jack Mitchell of Mr. Ailey in his balletu003cemu003e Hermit Songsu003c/emu003e. That image changed my perspective on what a male dancer looks like, because I saw my musculature. I knew then that this company would be the place I’d love to call home one day.”u003cspanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Andrew Eccles, courtesy Aileyu003c/pu003e”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “Jeroboam Bozeman (joined in 2013):u00a0”, “credit”: “”, “description”: “u003cpu003e”I’m a part of something much larger than myself, and I’m just grateful to be a witness. What I love most about the company is the richness of its history. Mr. Ailey was an African-American man who was able to capture the experiences of African-Americans in society, and translate them through dance. The company has always been diverse, and has paved the way for so many artists of color. I have so much gratitude, because I know that I stand firmly on the backs of those who came before me. Mr. Ailey was trying to show the world that we’re all human beings and that color isn’t important. What’s important is the quality of work.”u003cspanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Andrew Eccles, courtesy Aileyu003c/pu003e”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “Jacqueline Green (joined in 2011):u00a0”, “credit”: “”, “description”: “u003cpu003e”This company carries with it the history of the African-American heritage and culture, expressed through dance. That’s the truest example of the human spirit. People want to see thatu2014they want to see something real. That’s why this company continues to thrive. I love that back in the ’50s and ’60s, Ailey saw that people of color had something to say through dance and choreography. Today, this history and legacy are honored, appreciated, and still necessary. It’s with seriousness and integrity that I keep the Ailey legacy alive and flourishing.”u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Andrew Eccles, courtesy Aileyu003c/pu003e”}

{“product_info”: {“caption”: “Buy Now”, “product_price”: 0, “product_vendor”: false, “linkout_url”: false, “product_compare_at_price”: 0}, “headline”: “Courtney Celeste Spears (joined in 2018):”, “credit”: “”, “description”: “u003cpu003e”Being in a company rooted in so much history allows for a deeper connection to the movement and the intent behind the ballets we perform. It’s a celebration of Mr. Ailey, the life he lived, and everything he went through. Learning Mr. Ailey’s ballets is so much fun. They’re challenging, in the sense that you have to keep the integrity of the movement that was taught. But in doing that, you end up feeling so connected to the company, the vision, and all the dancers who came before you.”u003c/pu003e”, “caption”: “u003cpu003ePhoto by Andrew Eccles, courtesy Aileyu003c/pu003e”}