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The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed in over 40 states in 71 countries for some 21 million audiences. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) is currently being directed by Judith Jamison, artistic director who joined the group in 1965 and associate artistic director Masazumi Chaya who joined in 1972.

Alvin's dance career took off after his long term mentor Lester Horton died in 1953. Alvin became the director for the Lester Horton Dance Theater and went on to choreograph such works as Creation of the World, According to St. Francis, and Mourning Morning.

In 1958 the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was formed. The (AAADT) has been stationed in various locations in NY. In 1969 Ailey established the Ailey dance school. In 1962 the company was chosen to tour in the Far East, south Asia and Australia as part of the president's special international program for cultural presentations. In 1988 Alvin Ailey was awarded the Kennedy Centers for his lifetime involvement in American society. In 2002 the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation received the highest honor given to artist in the nation the National Medal of Arts.

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