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.In Passage 1, what conclusion can be drawn about Ailey’s work?
A. Ailey's dancing was better than his choreography.
B. Ailey was recognized for his work on and off stage.
C. Ailey's work was appreciated only by African American audiences.
D. Ailey's ballets and performances were popular only in the United States.
Part B

Which sentence from Passage 1 supports the answer in Part A?
A. "Living in New York and following his dream, Ailey studied and danced in shows on and off Broadway." (paragraph 4)
B. "His small group of African American dancers was soon performing for audiences." (paragraph 4)
C. Most famously, his work earned him the United Nations Peace Medal and a Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to the arts." (paragraph 6)
D. "His legacy lives on in his dance company and many of his dances, which are still performed around the world." (paragraph 7)

Answer 1

Part A: B

Part B: C — the sentence about the United Nations Peace Medal and Kennedy Center Honor shows he was formally recognized for his work beyond performing on stage.