As we celebrate Black History Month, we"re taking a moment to highlight an institution in the world of dance—the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. Founded by the visionary choreographer Alvin Ailey in 1958, it fuses elements of modern dance, ballet, jazz, and theater. The company"s performances demonstrate the importance of artistic expression in preserving and celebrating Black culture in America. Congress described it as a "vital American cultural ambassador to the world" in 2008.