American Masters Debuts Documentary on the Life of Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey's "Revelation"

American dance will never be the same because of the incredible work of Alvin Ailey. Young adults can learn about the awe inspiring work of this genius in a documentary shown on PBS. American Masters: Ailey is a portrait of the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey (1931-1989), a trailblazing pioneer who founded his influential studio Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 at age 27. The documentary traces the full contours of this brilliant and enigmatic man whose search for the truth in movement resulted in enduring choreography that centers on the Black American experience with inimitable grace and power. His choreography was rooted in memories of blues and gospel music, juke joints, and church exemplified by iconic works like "Revelation" and "Lazarus." Opening the series’ 36th season, American Masters: Ailey premieres nationwide on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org/ailey and the PBS Video app.

Through The Night Examines the Personal Cost of Childcare

Sunday's Inspiration: Happy Mother's Day

Every Sunday, Meet the Visionaries who are inspiring our community.

Meet Loira Limbal

Through the Night is a documentary that explores the personal cost of  motherhood for families in this country.  The story centers around two working mothers and a child care provider, whose lives connect at a 24-hour daycare center in New Rochelle, New York.  Loira Limbal’s film gives an insightful view of Dee’s Tots Daycare in New Rochelle which provides 24 hour child care for  a houseful of children who range in age from infants to tweens.  Most of the parents who bring their kids to Deloris “Nunu” and Patrick “Pop Pop” Hogan are single mothers working endlessly long hours to keep their families afloat. Limbal, the filmmaker is also a single parent who holds down a full time job. In her film she examines the realities of everyday life for a working mother and how it affects the whole family and community. In an economic system that keeps mothers away from their children for long periods of time, Nunu provides the nurturing and care for their children.  The kids arrive at all hours, depending on their parents’ work schedules. Each evening the playroom becomes a dormitory of gym mats and blankets for the children whose mothers work night shifts. As Nunu explains, “This is the way the world is set up at this point.” Despite these inequities, Limbal captures and celebrates the hope, care and resilience of both the caregivers and the mothers. "This place is magical and this is a love letter to caregivers (who sacrifice to give life to the next generation."  Through the Night can be seen on PBS TV starting May 10 at 10 pm. Check local listing. You can see an interview with the filmmaker, Loira Limbal talking about her work at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc9zldp9Wl8.