Question

Passage 2: The Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater

8 The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) opened its doors in New York City in 1958. The seven modern dancers who performed that day had no idea they would be a part of a group that would change the dance world. Today, the dance company is known around the world and recognized as an important part of American culture.

9 Alvin Ailey founded the company to give African American dancers a place to perform without facing discrimination. He also wanted to create a place that made the art of dance available to everyone. When he started the AAADT, all of the dancers were African American. Today, the group has grown to more than 30 dancers of many different races.

10 In its early years, the dance company used a small space in the YWCA in New York City and was doing about four performances a year. The group began traveling in a friend’s car, a tour Ailey nicknamed “the station wagon tour.”

11 Ailey’s choreography was a unique style of modern dance that included elements of ballet and jazz dance with African and Latino influences. In addition to being entertaining and artistic, his dances reflected his views on current events, such as the Civil Rights movement.

12 Despite the popularity of the dance company, money was tight. But then, President Kennedy invited the group to represent the United States on a worldwide tour of Asia and Australia. This opportunity secured the company’s future.

13 Since that tour, the company has performed on stages around the United States and throughout the world. They have danced for several U.S. Presidents and at the opening ceremonies of Olympic games. They have also been featured on a wide variety of television programs, from Sesame Street to Dancing with the Stars.

14 Judith Jamison, who joined the AAADT in the mid-1960s, was a star performer in the group. She danced many roles that Ailey created especially for her and quickly gained international fame.

15 Today, the AAADT is a thriving part of New York City. In addition to having a group that tours and performs, the company offers courses for teenage dancers hoping to pursue a career on stage, youth dance classes, community dance and fitness programs, youth education, and summer camp programs. This dance theater has truly fulfilled Ailey’s dream to bring dance to everyone.

“The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater” written for educational purposes.

Which sentence from Passage 2 best describes a positive result of Ailey founding the AAADT?
A. "When he started the AAADT, all of the dancers were African American." (paragraph 9)
B. "In its early years, the dance company used a small space in the YWCA in New York City and was doing about four concerts a year." (paragraph 10)
C. "Ailey's choreography was a unique style of modern dance that included elements of ballet and jazz dance with African and Latino influences." (paragraph 11)
D. "This opportunity secured the company's future." (paragraph 12)

Answer 1

D. "This opportunity secured the company's future." — it directly states a positive outcome (the company's future was secured).