Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performances Across 66 Countries, 1958-1989

4,143 performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater across 505 cities in 66 countries are documented from 1958 to 1989. The dataset was curated by Kate Elswit and Harmony Bench for the Radical Accounting project, compiled from over 30,000 archival documents. It focuses on public performances, repertory, and venues directly connected to AAADT during this period.

Use Cases

• Analyze the geographic spread of performances across 505 cities and 66 countries to map the company's international touring history.
• Study the evolution of the company's repertory over the 31-year period to identify performance trends and artistic phases.
• Examine venue data to highlight previously underdocumented performance locations and their role in the company's growth.
• Cross-reference performance dates and locations with historical events to contextualize the company's development within broader cultural history.

Strengths

• Contains 4,143 detailed performance records, providing a substantial basis for historical analysis.
• Geographic scope is extensive, covering 505 cities across 66 countries.
• Data compilation involved verification using over 30,000 archival documents and consultation with legacy holders, aiming for high accuracy.
• Created for a specific research project and museum exhibition, ensuring a focused and well-defined scope.

Limitations

• The dataset is temporally limited to performances between 1958 and 1989 and does not include more recent history.
• It excludes performances by related troupes and solo artists not billed as AAADT, which may present an incomplete picture of the broader dance ecosystem.
• As a Fast Track release, files are distributed as received from the depositor and may require additional user validation or formatting.

Provenance

Source

Curated by Kate Elswit and Harmony Bench for the Radical Accounting project and the Whitney Museum's 'Edges of Ailey' exhibition.

Collection Method

Compiled and verified using over 30,000 archival documents and personal materials, with consultation from company legacy holders.

Time Range

1958 to 1989

Freshness

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Geography

505 cities across 66 countries