A Tribute to Alvin Ailey (1990): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1990, A Tribute to Alvin Ailey is a notable film directed by Thomas Grimm.

What it’s about. Alvin Ailey played a key role in the growth of modern dance in USA and his company, founded in 1958, is one of the USA’s oldest dance troupes as well as one of the most youthful and vital on the dance scene. In this two-part program, members of Ailey's dance company celebrate his memory by performing three works choreographed by Ailey himself, as well as a special ballet tribute choreographed by Ulysses Dove. Each piece is introduced by Judith Jamison, the dancer and choreographer whose career was nurtured to stardom by Ailey, and who was, at the time of this production, Artistic Director of the company. The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater is uniquely eclectic in range, repertory, and style. As a choreographer, Ailey explored the black experience and went beyond, finding universal human truths in all his work.

Who’s in it. A Tribute to Alvin Ailey stars Judith Jamison as Presenter.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch A Tribute to Alvin Ailey page.