Alicia Keys to executive producer a biopic about Alvin Ailey

Posted by | Ray Cornelius 

I am so excited to announce that Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys is teaming up with Fox Searchlight for an upcoming biopic on the life and legacy of iconic dance choreographer and visionary—Alvin Ailey.

According to DEADLINE, Fox Searchlight and the producers—Keys, Judy Kinberg, Susan Lewis, Rachel Cohen, Jana Edelbaum—are working with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre’s current Artistic Director Robert Battle and Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison to develop a film about his life and legendary choreography. They have also secured the rights to Jennifer Dunning’s seminal biography Alvin Ailey: A Life In Dance.

“We are thrilled to be working with these incredible partners to bring to the screen the amazing journey and revolutionary choreography of Alvin Ailey, whose life and legacy profoundly impacted people of all backgrounds around the world,” said Robert Battle.

Alvin Ailey was one of the most successful dance choreographers to ever live. His company, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, was founded in New York City in March 1958 (60 years ago this month) and laid the foundation for other dance troupes to follow suit such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem. The company is best known for the now classic work, REVELATIONS, which explores African American spirituality.

I can’t tell you how geeked I am about this movie. I have been a fan of Ailey’s since my college days and haven’t missed a performance in 24 years. As an a member of Ailey Circle Atlanta, I am elated that his story will be told and pray that it will inspire a new generation of dancers and creatives.

RC will keep you posted as this film continues to develop.

Photo Credits: DanceHeritage.com and Norman Maxon