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CRYTHE 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.

CRY

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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.

AILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT

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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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CRYAILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT

ActivityDefine 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.

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.

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CRYAILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT

ActivityDiscuss the impact this would have had on Ailey in his early years. How is this evident in his work as an artist?

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.

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CRYAILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT

Use the links on the following screen to assist your research.

Alvin Ailey biographyalvinailey.orgpbs.orgAlvin Ailey American Dance Theatre time linealvinailey.org

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CRYRESEARCH LINKS

Examine the research material you have gathered based on the socio-historic context of Alvin Ailey and his work.

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CRYAILEY’S SOCIO-HISTORIC CONTEXT

ActivityDiscuss how Alvin Ailey’s background and training has contributed to the development of his choreographic style. Use specific examples from his body of work.