Alvin Ailey: Awassa Astrige / Ostrich by Asadata Dafora

With arms flapping like wings, torso rippling and head held high, a warrior is transformed into the proud, powerful ostrich ­— the king of birds. Sierra Leone-born choreographer Dafora blended his vision of a traditional African dance with Western staging in this groundbreaking 1932 solo set to Carl Riley’s score of African drumming and flute. Learn more: