"Alvin Ailey," "The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater"

Which sentence from Passage 1 best describes Ailey's dedication to his work?

• "When Horton suddenly died a year later, Ailey was chosen to become director of the company." (paragraph 3)

• "In spite of this disappointing setback, Alley knew he would continue to pursue his career as a dancer and choreographer." (paragraph 3)

• "In 1954, he danced for the first time on Broadway." (paragraph 4)

• "Today, this dance remains the company's most popular performance and has been seen by more than 23 million people in 71 different countries." (paragraph 5)

Part-A

In Passage 1, what conclusion can be drawn about Ailey's work?

• A Ailey's dancing was better than his choreography

• Ailey was recognized for his work on and off stage

• Ailey's work was appreciated only by African American audiences

• Ailey's ballets and performances were popular only in the United States

Part-B

Which sentence from Passage 1 supports the answer in Part A?

• "Living in New York and following his dream, Ailey studied and danced in shows on and off Broadway." (paragraph 4)

• "His small group of African American dancers was soon performing for audiences." (paragraph 4)

• "Most famously, his work earned him the United Nations Peace Medal and a Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to the arts." (paragraph 6)

• "His legacy lives on in his dance company and many of his dances, which are still performed around the world." (paragraph 7)

Based on the information in Passage 1, which of Ailey's accomplishments is most influenced by his childhood?

• He directed and choreographed a piece called Revelations

• His popular dance company performed in foreign countries

• He studied with Lester Horton and joined the dance company

• He welcomed in and created opportunities for dancers of all races

What is the best summary of Passage 2?

• Alvin Alley 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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

Which sentence from Passage 2 best describes a positive result of Ailey founding the AAADT?

• "When he started the AAADT, all of the dancers were African American." (paragraph 9)

• 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." (paragraph 10)

• "Ailey's choreography was a unique style of modern dance that included elements of ballet and jazz dance with African and Latino influences." (paragraph 11)

• "This opportunity secured the company's future." (paragraph 12)

-Read this sentence from Passage 3.

-"Choreographers also must have artistic ability and innovative ideas, to create new and interesting dance routines." (paragraph 26)

-How does the word innovative contribute to the tone of the passage?

• AIt hints that the author prefers to watch modern dance routines.

• It reveals that the author believes it is harder to be a choreographer than a dancer.

• It emphasizes that the author has a neutral attitude about the work choreographers do.

• It shows that the author thinks choreographers do groundbreaking work.

How does the "Important Qualities" section develop the main idea in Passage 3?

• It lists the characteristics necessary to have a successful career in dance.

• It provides a list of skills for people to learn during their dance education.

• It explains the traits needed in order to progress from a dancer to a choreographer.

• It discusses the physical and mental challenges associated with dance and choreography.

What was the author's purpose for writing Passage 3?

• to promote dancing as a way of staying fit, by supporting the idea with the details about physical stamina and dexterity

• to help people imagine themselves as dancers by describing what it is like to spend many years practicing

• to provide information about a career in dance by presenting details about the education, traits, skills, and challenges of the profession

• to discourage people from becoming a career dancer by emphasizing the demands on the body and the frequency of rejection