Question

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. Inaddition 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 forteenage 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.What is the best summary of Passage 2?
A. Alvin Ailey started the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 in New York City. He wanted to give African American dancers a place to perform and share his love of dance with the world, but he faced many challenges. At first, the group was doing only about four concerts a year. They drove in a station wagon for their first tour.
B. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in 1958 in New York City. The company began performing modern dances with African American influences. As they became popular, they started to tour and performed for audiences worldwide. Today, they remain committed to Ailey's original mission to bring dance to everyone.
C. Alvin Ailey started the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 in New York City. At first, the group practiced in a small space in the YWCA. Later, the group performed at many famous places, such as at the Olympics, in the White House, and on television programs. Judith Jamison was a star performer in the group and gained international fame.
D. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for U.S. Presidents and audiences in Asia. The performances took place all over the United States and on a wide variety of television programs. Since the dances are very popular, the company often sells out shows. The company offers both classes and camps.

Answer 1

B. It best captures the passage’s main points: the company's founding, its modern dance style with African influences, its growth into international touring, and its ongoing commitment to Ailey’s mission to make dance accessible to everyone.