Alvin AILEY was an American choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin AILEY American Dance Theater in 1958. He is widely credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in 20th-century concert dance. His choreographic masterpiece, Revelations, is believed to be the best known and most often seen modern dance performance. AILEY's work fused African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs, and blues with modern dance, creating a unique style that continues to be celebrated around the world.