Quotes from Alvin Ailey

One of the worst things about racism is what it does to young people.

Its roots are in American Negro culture, which is part of the whole country's heritage, but the dance speaks to everyone... Otherwise, it wouldn't work.

Sometimes you feel bad about yourself when there's no reason to.

I feel an obligation to use black dancers because there must be more opportunities for them, but not because I'm a black choreographer talking to black people.

But the dance speaks to everyone. Otherwise it wouldn't work.

I'm attracted to long-legged girls with long arms and a little head.

In this business, life is one long fund-raising effort.