Tremaine Emory | Edges of Ailey | Interviews | Alvin Ailey and Me

Feb 10, 2025

Tremaine Emory, designer and artist, as well as the Founder and Creative Director of Denim Tears, spoke with us about how Alvin Ailey has influenced his work. He discusses learning about Alvin Ailey and the company in Queens in the 1990s, the rigor of Alvin Ailey's work, and how, in his words, "Alvin Ailey performing Revelations in Russia was like Neil Armstrong going to the moon— the same amount of danger, the same amount of courage, and new frontier." 

We are thrilled to share a powerful project, Alvin Ailey and Me, that celebrates the enduring legacy and influence of iconic dancer, choreographer, and artist Alvin Ailey. Alvin Ailey and Me asks members of the public to share personal stories of how Alvin Ailey’s life and work has impacted, inspired, and changed them. We invite you to participate in the project by submitting a digital letter online through whitney.org/AlvinAileyandMe.


On the Hour

A 30-second online art project:
Maya Man, A Realistic Day In My Life Living In New York City

Learn more about this project

Learn more at whitney.org/artport

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