Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performs at the White House

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was created to show that African American history and culture belonged on every stage in the world – which is why it was so important to me to have the company perform right here at the White House during Black History Month. Mr. Ailey wanted to “hold a mirror to society so people could see how beautiful they are,” so in 1971, he choreographed the ballet, ‘Cry,’ as a tribute to Black women — especially mothers. <br> <br>Here is a behind-the-scenes look at Constance Stamatiou Lopez's rehearsal of ‘Cry’ at the White House.