Read the passages “Alvin Ailey,” “The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,” and “How to Become a Dancer or Choreographer,” and answer the questions that follow. Make sure you answer all of the questions.
Passage 1: Alvin Ailey
1 When Alvin Ailey began dancing professionally, modern dance was not very popular and Ailey was among very few African American dancers. His dedication to the art increased its popularity around the world. Additionally, his hard work opened doors and created opportunities for dancers of all heritages.
2 Ailey was born in rural Texas on January 5, 1931. An only child, he was raised by his mother, who worked hard to give him every opportunity she could. When he was 12, he and his mother moved to Los Angeles. He did well in school and participated in sports, but it was a junior high field trip to the ballet that inspired Ailey to dance.
3 He began to study and perform under Lester Horton, who had one of the first dance schools in the United States that welcomed students of all heritages. When Horton suddenly died a year later, Ailey was chosen to become director of the dance company. In addition to directing shows, he began creating original choreography. Some of Ailey's early choreographed works received poor reviews, leading to the breakup of the troupe. In spite of this disappointing setback, Ailey knew he would continue to pursue his career as a dancer and choreographer.
4 In 1954, he danced for the first time on Broadway. Living in New York and following his dream, Ailey studied and danced in shows on and off Broadway. He decided to form his own dance company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. His small group of African American dancers was soon performing for audiences.
5 As director, he choreographed many pieces. One of his most famous was Revelations. Set to gospel and blues music, this dance tells the story of African Americans in the South. Ailey explained that he drew on his childhood experiences in Texas, attending Saturday night dances and services at the local African American church, to create this piece. Today, this dance remains the company’s most popular performance and has been seen by more than 23 million people in 71 different countries.
6 Ailey’s dance company began touring internationally and became extremely popular. Although he stopped dancing in the 1960s, Ailey continued to put his energy into choreography. He created 79 ballets and was often recognized with awards and honors. Most famously, his work earned him the United Nations Peace Medal and a Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to the arts.
7 Ailey died in 1989 at the age of 58. Although his life was short, he made great strides for modern dance and African American dancers in the United States. His legacy lives on in his dance company and many of his dances, which are still performed around the world.
“Alvin Ailey” written for educational purposes.
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 heritages.
10 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. They 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.
Passage 3: How to Become a Dancer
or Choreographer
from the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics
16 Education and training requirements vary with the type of dancer; however, all dancers need many years of formal training. Nearly all choreographers began their careers as dancers.
Education and Training
17 Many dancers begin training when they are young and continue to learn throughout their careers. Ballet dancers begin training the earliest, usually between the ages of 5 and 8 for girls and a few years later for boys. Their training becomes more serious as they enter their teens, and most ballet dancers begin their professional careers by the time they are 18.
18 Leading professional dance companies sometimes have intensive summer training programs from which they might select candidates for admission to their regular full-time training programs.
19 Modern dancers normally begin formal training while they are in high school. They attend afterschool dance programs and summer training programs to prepare for their career or for a college dance program.
20 Some dancers and choreographers pursue postsecondary education. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in dance, typically through departments of theater or fine arts. As of March 2016, there were about 75 dance programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Most programs include coursework in a variety of dance styles, including modern dance, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. Most entrants into college dance programs have previous formal training.
21 Some choreographers work as dance teachers. Teaching dance in a college, high school, or elementary school requires a college degree. Some dance studios and conservatories prefer instructors who have a degree; however, they may accept previous work in lieu of a degree.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
22 Nearly all choreographers begin their careers as dancers. While working as dancers, they study different types of dance and learn how to choreograph routines.
Advancement
23 Some dancers take on more responsibility if they are promoted to dance captain in musical theater companies. They lead rehearsals or work with less experienced dancers when the choreographer is not present.
24 Some dancers become choreographers. Dancers and choreographers also may become theater, film, or television producers and directors.
Important Qualities
25 Athleticism. Successful dancers must have excellent balance, physical strength, and physical dexterity so that they can move their bodies without falling or losing their sense of rhythm.
26 Creativity. Dancers need artistic ability and creativity to express ideas through movement. Choreographers also must have artistic ability and innovative ideas, to create new and interesting dance routines.
27 Leadership skills. Choreographers must be able to direct a group of dancers to perform the routines that they have created.
28 Persistence. Dancers must commit to years of intense practice. They need to be able to accept rejection after auditions and to continue to practice for future performances. Choreographers must keep studying and creating new routines.
29 Physical stamina. Dancers are often physically active for long periods, so they must be able to rehearse for many hours without getting tired.
30 Teamwork. Most dance routines involve a group or pairs, so dancers must be able to work together to be successful.
“How to Become a Dancer or Choreographer.” In the public domain.
Now answer the questions. Base your answers on the passages “Alvin Ailey,” “The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,” and “How to Become a Dancer or Choreographer.”
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.
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The best summary of Passage 2 is:
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.
This option captures the essence of the passage, highlighting the founding, the style of dance, the company's growth and popularity, and the mission to make dance accessible, which aligns with the major themes of the passage.
1 answer