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Ailey

American  
[ey-lee] / ˈeɪ li /

noun

  1. Alvin, Jr., 1931–1989, U.S. dancer and choreographer.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ahead of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater’s upcoming run of performances at the Music Center in downtown L.A.,

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

“Song of the Anchorite,” an eight-minute world premiere by Jamar Roberts, is dedicated to Alvin Ailey and refers to his 1961 solo “Hermit Songs.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

Those include dance performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and recitals by the Metropolitan Opera.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

Ailey saw Jamison as his successor, naming her the company’s artistic director in 1989.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2024

The restaurant is full of people, and this reminds me of my first date with Kasim, when we saw the Alvin Ailey performance.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi

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