Alvin Ailey

by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

Since he was a young boy in Navasota, Texas, Alvin Ailey loved to stomp his feet and clap his hands to the music of the True Vine Baptist choir. Later, he learned how to dance. He spent some time with the best teachers of the era and eventually started his own modern dance company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

This is the story of Alvin Ailey's life – a life that left its imprint as much on the history of the American people as on the history of modern dance.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, African American, Art, Childrens, Cultural, History

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

About the author

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Duke Ellington, illustrated by Brian Pinkney; Let it Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award; and Alvin Ailey, a Parenting Publication Gold medal winner.

Pinkney's newest books include Meet the Obamas and Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride, which has garnered three starred reviews and has been named one of the "Best Books of 2009" by School Library Journal. In 2010, Andrea's book entitled Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down, was published on the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-ins of 1960.

Her mother is a teacher and her father is a great storyteller, so growing up surrounded by books and stories is what inspired Andrea Davis Pinkney to choose a career as an author. The first official story she remembers writing was in second grade — it was about her family. Pinkney was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Connecticut. She went to Syracuse University, where she majored in journalism. After college, she followed her dream and worked as an editor for Essence magazine, but after watching her husband, Caldecott Award-winning artist Brian Pinkney, illustrate children's books, she decided to switch jobs and became involved in book publishing.

Andrea Davis Pinkney currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/andrea-d...

Reviews

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished reading this book to him, my five-and-a-half-year-old said, "Mom, if I could live a life like his, I would be so happy!" He then proceeded to demonstrate a dance he'd made up about the book. "Here's where I swing my hips!" he said. "Now get ready...I'm about to sing!" and he danced while belting out his rendition of "Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham," which appears in the book.

This book earned five stars just for the living room performance it inspired, but it was darned good even without it. Not only is the story inspiring and the illustrations wonderful, this is one of the few books I've found about a boy who dances that doesn't use (or imply) the word "sissy." It's just about a boy---and then a man---who loves to dance so much that he finds a way to share this love with the world. Just the kind of message I want for my ballet- and jazz-loving son.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I am an admirer of the work of Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney, I was not impressed with this effort. There is a lot of context that is missing. For instance, the first chapter is "1942: True Vine Baptist Church," however, as Alvin Ailey's birth year is nowhere in the book, one would have to consult outside sources to learn that he was born in 1931, making him about 11 years old when the book opens. Only readers familiar with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's repertoire will understand the significance of learning about Alvin Ailey’s experience of hearing "Rock My Soul in the Bosom Of Abraham" sung in church as a child.

The chapter "1958-1960: Blues Suite-Revelations" touches on the years when Alvin Ailey would have been about 27-29, and starting his dance company. The 3rd paragraph of this section reads: "Alvin gathered some of the dancers he'd seen in classes around the city. He chose the men and women who had just the right moves to dance his choreography. Alvin told them he wanted to start a modern dance company that would dance to blues and gospel music - the heritage of African-American people. Nine dancers believed in Alvin's idea. This was the beginning of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater." I feel like a lack of meaningful context regarding the history and meaning of terms such as modern dance, and choreography, as well as an understanding of what Ailey's deeply-felt vision was rooted in - obscures the richness of his achievements.

Then, again, my mother was a modern dance teacher in the 1960s and 1970s and I may be more “judgy” about all of this than someone else! 😂

Alvin Ailey joined the ancestors in 1989.

[Thomas Carrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Alvin Ailey” by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brain Pinkney is a biography children’s picture book that discusses the life of a pioneer from Texas who was amazed by gospel and jazz music and modern dancing choreography. Andrea’s writing style and Brian’s illustrations helps the reader visualize the chronological events that lead to Alvin’s discovery of love for modern dance. Alvin Ailey used his cultural background to popularize modern dance and popularize African Americans’ interest in 20th century modern concert dance. Through perseverance and the exploration of African-American cultural experiences, Alvin Ailey revolutionized American modern dance and theater forever.

This children’s book would be a great read aloud in 2nd grade Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies class. In Language Arts class, the teacher can introduce to students how an author’s writing style can portray a person's life experiences in chronological order. The teacher can do a picture walk before reading aloud in class to engage the audience with the illustrations of complex body movements through dancing and clothing styles in the 20th century.

This book would also be very beneficial to read aloud to students during Black History month to honor and celebrate African-American pioneers through hardship and racism. In addition, in Social Studies class, this book can be used to introduce to students how timelines can provide details of important past events and can help students identify and compare characteristics to indicate a time period through the book’s pictures and modern dancing troupes.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.

realized a couple minutes after finishing the book that i was still holding my breath. the art (and writing) are mesmerizing.

in the author notes says the Pinkneys even took dancing lessons from an original Alvin Ailey dancer to research this, their first book as a couple.

2nd review - this is a 6 star book. i think i underrated it giving it only five stars when i first read it ten years ago.
Books about dance and/or by dancers inspire better writing. Before reading this book i'd read several autobiographies and biographies of dancers w/the companies located in NYC, since reading it originally i've read several kids books and graphic novels about dance - the subject makes good writers and artists better and great writers and artists i.e. the Pinkneys soar.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but I didn't connect well. The first chapter zooms in on one day's experience at Ailey's church before he leaves his hometown. Then much of the next few chapters are about general overview of his experience with different dance schools and establishing his own troupe. Finally, it zooms in on one performance his troupe did - inspired by his church from home - which brings the story full-circle. The structure is there, but it feels a little jerky in the zoom in/zoom out bits.

[Nicole]

Im currently reading the biogragh on Alvin Ailey.The theme of this book is "if you follow your dream you can you can be what you dream".I think this is the theme because aliven alie follows his dream even though hes black he dose want he has to do to follow his dream.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alvin Ailey is a children's picture book written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney. This markedly talented husband and wife team offers a warm profile of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey, whose dance company lives on today.

February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.

Alvin Ailey was an African-American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), one of the most successful dance companies in the world. He created AAADT and its affiliated Ailey School as havens for nurturing black artists and expressing the universality of the African-American experience through dance. His work fused theatre, modern dance, ballet, and jazz with black vernacular, creating hope-fueled choreography that continues to spread global awareness of black life in America.

The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The author deftly combines elements of fiction and biography, intertwining Ailey's alleged thoughts and conversations with facts about his life. An impressive discography complements a two-page afterword and a thorough bibliography in the backmatter. Brian Pinkney's signature scratchboard renderings hand-painted with oil pastels, which manage to convey stateliness as well as quickness, and which culminate in a vivid, motion-filled spread featuring dancers in Ailey's company reeling across the stage.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The biographical picture book is about the life of Alvin Ailey life, his childhood, and his introduction to the world of dance in Los Angeles during the mid-1940s and his founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City in 1958. This effective amalgam of genres easily draws the reader into Ailey's life, lending it appeal for those previously unacquainted with the legendary artist as well as for young fans eager to learn how Ailey launched his impressive career.

All in all, Alvin Ailey is a wonderful informative biographical picture book about Alvin Ailey, an African-American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tells the story of Ailey in four parts. It starts at the church he attended with his mother in Texas and then goes to his childhood in Los Angeles where he sees Katherine Dunham dance. It skips ahead a few years to him studying with Horton and dancing in Horton's company (still in LA), and then it moves to New York, where Ailey starts his company. There, it talks about Blues Suite and Revelations.

The illustrations (scratchboard with pastel) show movement really well, so the dancing really comes through. The narration focuses on Ailey's style as being smooth, and the loops in the swoops in the illustrations reinforce that.

We need a good picture book about Judith Jamison to go with this for Ailey and My Story, My Dance about Robert Battle.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at a Little Free Library today. I had never heard of Alvin Ailey before. The Pinkneys did a wonderful job writing and illustrating this book. It made me want to go and learn more about Ailey and his life.

Now I’m off to go search YouTube to see some of Ailey’s dancing and choreography!

[Emily Koszarek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing true story that'll leave you wanting to learn more about the history of dance and how diversity is an integral part of its conception. This book shows the importance of exploring the African-American cultural experience through the lens of dancer Alvin Ailey. I especially loved how the illustrations by Brian Pinkney showed motion in each dancer.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm no dancer and I'm not really aware of the dance scene, but I really liked this book. Ailey's story is inspiring and well-presented here. Knowing where he came from really helped me to appreciate his accomplishments that much more. The illustrations are gorgeous. They remind of something that Beth Krommes would have done, with wonderful heavy lines of black and color mixed together so well. Really nicely done.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to know more! The illustrations were gorgeous.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book celebrating Alvin Ailey, an amazing choreographer!

[Gina]

I'm not sure how into it kids would be, but as an adult who has seen the Alvin Ailey company perform it was a good background.

[Kayla Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The charming story of how a young African-American boy (Alvin) from Texas falls in love with dance when he moves to Los Angeles. Alvin turns out to be a natural dancer and soon after attending dance school is already teaching other students his unique moves. It is not long before Alvin is a successful choreographer, putting on shows of his own that reflect and integrate his culture and roots. The main theme in this book is dance and celebrating your culture. This would be a great book to teach elementary aged students about black-history and black culture. This could also be used successfully to teach about the arts and music in discussing dance, gospel music, and influential dancers/choreographers. Further, Alvin’s story is a little more non-traditional because it depicts a male pursuing dancing as a career. Therefore, this might be a great book to encourage students to pursue their dreams even if they seem off the beaten path and challenge society’s definitions of gender specific careers. Because this book also celebrates culture, you might also have students share something from their own culture that they treasure.

Pinkney, A. D. (1993). Alvin Ailey. Illus. B. Pinkney. New York, NY: Hyperion Books.

[Kaelyn O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a boy named Alvin who grew up in Texas and later developed a passion for dance when he moved to Los Angeles. It turns out that Alvin is a complete natural in the arts of dance and after attending dance school he begins teaching his unique dance moves that seem to captivate his viewers. Alvin is special because he stays true to his culture and roots through the use of dance and song. I think this would be a great book for a music class. It would be an interesting way to start incorporating new kinds of music and dance from other cultures to a class. I am not necessarily a huge fan of music and dance so this subject did not particularly interest me a whole lot, but I still no doubt think that the book is very useful and could also be a great way to gear kids toward reading. If you know that a student likes dance and music but not reading, maybe you could show them this book and spark their interest in something. It would appeal to a broad range of students and could capture the attention of those who are really interested in music, dancing, or even influential dancers throughout history.

[Andrew Upchurch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a boy who grew up in Texas and later developed a passion for dance when he moved to Los Angeles. It turns out that Alvin is a complete natural in the arts of dance and soon after attending dance school he begins teacher other students his unique dance moves that seem to captivate his viewers. Alvin is special because he stays true to his culture and roots through the use of dance and song. This book would be a perfect tool to introduce a curriculum-surrounding dance, music, and influential dancers throughout history. A lesson like this would probably be geared towards elementary students, as they would love to get involved and show off their dance moves. When a book allows students to become interactive and participate it can create a long lasting memory that can instill in students a passion and desire to read more in the future.

[Sarah Hurdelbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated biography follows the life of influential dancer Alvin Ailey from his beginnings in Texas, to California where he discovers his love for dance, and finally to New York, where he brought his own unique style to the world of modern dance. After practicing under Lester Horton and Martha Graham, he became a choreographer himself and started his own dance school. He produced many cultural masterpieces, including Blues Suite and Revelations, renowned for the way they authentically capture the history and vibrancy of the African American experience. The Alvin Ailey Dance Company is known for being diverse and accepting of all-races, providing opportunities for dancers of all backgrounds and ethnicities that did not previously exist.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This book is short but I liked it. It is about a boy named Alvin Ailey and his mom sings at a church and Alvin is really in to dancing. So Alvin is walking in the city and he sees a adverticements of a show coming up. The adverticement is about a african american woman dancing. It was very rare to have african american having shows. So Alvin attended this show.He reallt enjoyed it. He thne started to like dancing. So when he was older he wanted to go to a school with the dancing. Not any kind of dancing but the dancing he enjoyed, but there aren't alot of dance schools that had his type of dance and that accepts african american people.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the book is made of two page spreads with a picture on one page and a full page of text on the other.

So, this isn't a picture book for young wiggly ones.

But, the illustrations do a great job of conveying the dance. I *LOVE* the picture for Revelations -- it takes me right to what it feels like to see the dance.

The biography starts with Alvin at church in Texas just before he and his mom move to LA. It ends relatively soon after his dance company is started. So, there's a lot more to the story, but what's told here is told well.

[Riegs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome, and not just because "Revelations" is the best American choreography ever. Not only are Brian Pinkney's illustrations gorgeous, but the story explains so well how young Alvin was inspired by church in Texas, Katherine Dunham's company, and the tutelage of Lester Horton. The illustrations of "Revelations" made me so happy. I love it when biographical material is told as a coherent story.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when books make me want to learn more about something. I've always known the name Alivn Ailey was related to the dance world and that he was African American, but that's pretty much where my knowledge of him ended. I will definitely be seeking out more books (and videos!) of him and his work because this book showed what an amazing and inspiring man he was in the world of dance.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This basic bio of Alvin Ailey, who brought the spirit of African-American traditions to modern dance, would be good for a classroom unit in which students write reports on historical figures. The text is active and the scratchboard illustrations create the sense of motion and flow that ought to be in a dance-centered picture book.

[Anna Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I watched a performance of Alvin Ailey's American Dance Theater, I've been interested in learning more about the man who found this modern dance ensemble. This picture book does a wonderful job of introducing young readers to someone who dared to follow his dreams and influenced many others along the way.

[Mills College Library]

921 P6557 1995

[Ms. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Alvin Ailey dance company, and even more now that I have read about his life. The best part of this biography is the colorful illustrations.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Describes the life, dancing, and choreography of Alvin Ailey, who created his own modern dance company to explore the black experience.