GPB Passport icon GPB Passport icon Passport
GPB donate icon GPB donate icon Donate
Listen Live Listen Live Watch Live Watch Live
GPB Passport icon GPB Passport icon Passport
GPB donate icon GPB donate icon Donate

Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey

Watch Episode

Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey American Masters

Premiered January 11, 2022
Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey

Rennie Harris choreographed a piece about Ailey for the 60th anniversary of the company.

More Ways to Watch

Episode Extras

Former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company.
Watch (01:51)
Clip

Ailey dancers reflect on company's scrappy beginnings

"I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color," said Jones upon meeting Ailey.
Watch (02:11)
Clip

Bill T. Jones remembers the first time he met Alvin Ailey

Ailey's "Revelations" performance depicted the "Black experience."
Watch (02:24)
Clip

Ailey's "Revelations" draws on African American spirituals

Rennie Harris choreographed a piece about Ailey for the 60th anniversary of the company.
Watch (01:51)
Clip

Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey

Ailey describes his "blood memories" and an impactful friendship.
Watch (02:56)
Clip

Alvin Ailey on Chauncey Green, the friend who saved his life

Rennie Harris describes how choreographers are responsible for their dancers.
Watch (00:57)
Clip

Rennie Harris on the power of the choreographer

The story of a visionary artist who found salvation through dance.
Watch (01:01)
Preview

Ailey

All Episodes

American Masters: Season 36

Groucho & Cavett: asset-mezzanine-16x9
This Episode's video requires a Passport account.
Watch (1:21:59)

Groucho & Cavett

The Adventures of Saul Bellow: asset-mezzanine-16x9
This Episode's video requires a Passport account.
Watch (1:22:55)

The Adventures of Saul Bellow

Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On: asset-mezzanine-16x9
This Episode's video requires a Passport account.
Watch (1:29:33)

Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road: asset-mezzanine-16x9
This Episode's video requires a Passport account.
Watch (1:23:22)

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

Joe Papp in Five Acts: asset-mezzanine-16x9
Watch (1:21:56)

Joe Papp in Five Acts

Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha: asset-mezzanine-16x9
This Episode's video requires a Passport account.
Watch (1:23:57)

Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha

About the Program

American Masters

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

Here’s your ticket to stream.

Stream the best of public television on demand with GPB Passport: MASTERPIECE dramas and mysteries, NOVA, Ken Burns documentaries, Finding Your Roots and more. Binge full seasons, get early access to new episodes before they air on television and catch up on programs you missed with this powerful donor benefit from GPB!

Sign in

Program Specials & Extras

Comedian Susie Essman talks about the unique traits of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
Watch (08:45)
Special

Susie Essman on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and the unique "genius” of Larry David

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
This Episode's video requires a Passport account.
Watch (1:44:19)
Special

Moynihan (Extended Audio Description)

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
This Episode's video requires a Passport account.
Watch (1:43:31)
Special

Moynihan (ASL)

You May Also Enjoy ...

More GPB TV

A Seat At The Table
American Experience
Finding Your Roots
NOVA
All TV Shows